An Air India Express flight bound for Sharjah experienced a hydraulic failure shortly after take-off from Tiruchirappalli (Trichy) airport in Tamil Nadu on Friday, triggering emergency precautions. The flight, AXB 613, carrying 144 passengers, safely landed back at the Trichy airport after more than two hours of maintaining a holding pattern to burn fuel.
The Boeing 737 aircraft had taken off at 5:40 PM when the technical snag was detected, prompting air traffic control (ATC) to instruct the pilots to return to the airport. However, it was deemed unsafe to attempt a precautionary landing with full fuel on board. As a result, the plane circled around the Tiruchirappalli area, following a flight path to reduce fuel and prepare for a safer landing.
Airport officials took no chances in preparing for an emergency landing, deploying 20 ambulances and 18 fire engines on standby. By 8:15 PM, the plane successfully touched down, to the applause and relief of passengers. Video footage captured the aircraft making a smooth landing, with its landing gear fully engaged.
Reports had surfaced earlier that the aircraft might have had landing gear issues, raising concerns about a possible belly landing. However, the pilots remained in constant communication with ATC, and the normal landing proceeded without further complications.
Emergency Response and Investigation
The swift response included coordinated efforts from aviation authorities, with Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu ensuring officials were on high alert. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin also played an active role, holding an emergency phone meeting with officials and instructing them to prioritize passenger safety. In a post on social media platform X, Stalin praised the crew for their professionalism and commended emergency services for their preparedness.
“I am heartened to hear that the #AirIndiaExpress flight has landed safely,” Stalin posted. He added that he had instructed the District Collector to ensure the continued safety and well-being of the passengers.
Air India Express issued a statement clarifying that no emergency had been declared by the pilots. A spokesperson noted that the aircraft had circled as a precautionary measure to burn off fuel and reduce weight. The cause of the hydraulic issue is now under investigation. In the meantime, the airline arranged for an alternative aircraft to carry passengers onward to Sharjah.
“We regret the inconvenience and reiterate our commitment to prioritising safety in every aspect of our operations,” the Air India Express spokesperson said.
Passengers, though shaken, expressed relief that the ordeal had ended safely, with many praising the crew for handling the situation with professionalism and calmness. The incident, though serious, showcased the high levels of preparedness by both the airline and local authorities in handling such emergencies.
Sources By Agencies
