Tiruchirappalli, October 10, 2024 – An Air India Express flight, AXB 613, which encountered a hydraulic failure shortly after take-off from Tiruchirappalli Airport, has successfully landed, averting a potential emergency. The flight, headed to Sharjah with 144 passengers on board, took off at 5:40 PM but reported a technical snag soon after.
Due to safety concerns, the pilots were instructed to burn off fuel by flying in a designated path near the airport for over two and a half hours. The aircraft finally landed at 8:15 PM, to the relief and applause of the passengers. Airport authorities had 20 ambulances and 18 fire engines on standby, preparing for an emergency landing after concerns about the landing gear surfaced.
Flight AXB 613, Bound for Sharjah, Lands Safely After Circling for Hours to Burn Fuel; Investigation Underway
Flight tracking website FlightRadar24 confirmed that the plane circled around the Tiruchirappalli area for about two hours to safely reduce its weight before attempting to land. During this period, the Tiruchirappalli Airport remained on high alert, with ATC maintaining constant communication with the pilots. Permission was even granted for a belly landing if necessary, but the flight successfully completed a normal landing with fully engaged landing gear.
Gopalakrishnan, Director of Tiruchirappalli Airport, stated that the emergency response teams were fully prepared, with the runway cleared for an emergency approach if needed. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) were actively monitoring the situation, coordinating efforts to ensure passenger safety.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin responded quickly, holding an emergency meeting with officials to implement safety measures. “I am heartened to hear that the Air India Express flight has landed safely. My compliments to the captain and crew for their professionalism during this emergency,” he posted on social media platform X.
An Air India Express spokesperson reassured passengers, stating that no emergency was officially declared by the crew. The decision to burn fuel was taken as a precautionary measure due to the runway length. The airline has initiated an internal investigation to determine the cause of the hydraulic failure and is arranging an alternative aircraft for passengers to continue their journey to Sharjah.
“We regret the inconvenience caused and reiterate that the safety of our passengers is our utmost priority,” the spokesperson added.
