COCHIN- Tata Group-owned LCC, Air India Express (IX) or AIX flight from Cochin International Airport (COK) to Bahrain Airport (BAH) made a U-turn after tire debris found on the runway today (December 17, 2024).
According to the latest flight schedule, the Gurugram-based carrier operates one daily flight between Kochi and Bahrain.
Air India Express Bahrain Flight U-Turn
According to Flight Radar 24 data, Air India Express Flight IX471 (AXB471) took off from Cochin at 5:14 AM UTC (10:44 AM local time).
Shortly after takeoff, the airport staff notified the Air Traffic Controller about a tyre layer separated from the AIX aircraft.
After being airborne for around 40 minutes, the flight crew was alerted about this incident and ATC ordered them to turn back.
Following this, the AIX crew made a U-turn and did a low flypast (at 200 Feet from the ground) so that ATC could see the extent of damage to the aircraft.
Following the ATC clearance, they landed safely at Cochin at 7:02 AM UTC (12:32 PM IST).
Airport sources confirmed that a comprehensive investigation is underway to determine the precise circumstances surrounding the tire layer detection.
Technical experts are currently examining the aircraft to assess and diagnose the potential mechanical issue that prompted the flight’s return.
The AIX flight crew did not declare an emergency, however, the airport carried out an emergency response sequence to ensure the safety of the aircraft and its occupants.
According to reports, there were 112 passengers and 8 crew members onboard the Boeing 737-800 aircraft registered as VT-GHD. Further, it is an 8.3-year-old aircraft and features a distinctive “Samai / Diya” livery.
Similar Incident
Indian aviation watchdog, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has initiated a comprehensive investigation into metal engine parts and debris discovered near Delhi’s IGI Airport. The investigation centers on a potential connection to an Air India Express flight that performed an emergency landing on September 2, 2024.
Flight IX145, traveling from Delhi to Bahrain, experienced a critical engine issue shortly after takeoff. The flight crew successfully managed the technical failure by executing a precautionary landing, following established aviation safety protocols.
Air India Express has officially reported the incident to DGCA and relevant aviation authorities. While acknowledging reports of metal pieces found in the Shankar Vihar area, the airline cannot definitively confirm their origin until the investigation concludes.
DGCA sources suggest the discovered metal component may be a broken engine blade. The regulatory investigation aims to determine the precise origin of the debris and the circumstances surrounding its presence outside the airport perimeter.
The aircraft involved is a Boeing 737-800, registered as VT-AXR, with a service history of 17.2 years. The aircraft is equipped with two CFM56-7B engines, which are being closely examined as part of the investigation.
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