AI Express Flight Lands Safely After Circling Over Trichy For 2 Hours | What Aviation Ministry & DGCA Said – News18

An Air India Express flight to Sharjah, which circled in the air for over two hours, landed safely at Tiruchirapalli airport on Friday after experiencing a technical issue shortly after takeoff.

Shortly after taking off around 5:30 pm, a fault related to the hydraulic system and landing gear was detected. The pilots managed the situation and safely landed the aircraft at Tiruchirappalli Airport.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation confirmed that the flight had “landed normally” and that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) was monitoring the situation. The Boeing 737, carrying 141 passengers, is reported to be safe.

“The Air India Express Flight IX 613 from Tiruchirapalli to Sharjah has landed safely at Tiruchirapalli airport. DGCA was monitoring the situation. The landing gear was opening. The flight has landed normally. The airport was put on alert mode,” the ministry stated.

Before the landing, visuals from outside the airport showed that emergency response efforts were in place, with 20 ambulances and fire services on standby at Tiruchirapalli airport.

The flight which was initially granted permission for a belly landing. However, the aircraft successfully landed normally and safely without any issues.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin held an emergency meeting with officials and directed them to follow all safety measures.

In a post on X after the successful landing, he congratulated the flight captain and crew. “I am heartened to hear that the #AirIndiaExpress flight has landed safely. Upon receiving news of the landing gear issue, I immediately coordinated an emergency meeting with officials over the phone and instructed them to implement all necessary safety measures, including deploying fire engines, ambulances, and medical assistance,” Stalin wrote.

“I have also now directed the District Collector to ensure the continued safety of all the passengers and to provide further assistance. My compliments to the Captain and crew for the safe landing.,” he added.

Meanwhile, an Air India Express spokesperson commented on the incident, stating that an alternative aircraft is being arranged for the passengers’ onward journey.

“We are aware of media reports related to an Air India Express flight operating on the Tiruchirappalli – Sharjah route. We would like to clarify that no emergency was declared by the operating crew. After reporting a technical snag, the aircraft circled multiple times in the designated area as an abundant precaution, to reduce fuel and weight considering the runway length, before making a safe precautionary landing. The cause of the snag will be duly investigated. In the interim, an alternative aircraft is being arranged for the onward journey of our guests,” the spokesperson said.