AI Express flight from Kannur to Jeddah lands back safely after suspected technical issue
Kannur, June 16
The passengers of an Air India Express flight from Kerala's Kannur to Jeddah went through tense moments on Tuesday after the aircraft developed a suspected technical problem shortly after take-off, forcing the crew to return to Kannur International Airport.
The flight, which took off from Kannur at around 7.03 a.m., detected a technical snag approximately 30 minutes into the journey.
Following standard safety procedures, the pilots decided to return to the airport of origin instead of continuing the international flight.
However, since the aircraft was carrying a heavy fuel load for the long-haul journey to Jeddah, the crew had to reduce the fuel weight before landing.
The aircraft began circling over the region to dump fuel safely, completing around 18 rounds in the air before making its approach to Kannur.
The aircraft finally landed safely at 9 a.m., bringing relief to passengers and airport authorities who were closely monitoring the situation.
A total of 180 passengers were on board the aircraft.
According to preliminary reports, the aircraft had recently reported an issue related to its Auxiliary Power Unit (APU).
The snag was attended to, and the aircraft was cleared for operations.
However, authorities are now carrying out detailed examinations to determine whether the earlier issue had any connection with the technical problem experienced during the flight.
Airport officials and technical teams are expected to conduct further checks before the aircraft is cleared for service again.
More details are awaited.
The incident highlights the importance of safety procedures followed by flight crews during technical emergencies.
The decision to return to Kannur and carry out fuel dumping was taken as a precautionary measure, ensuring that the aircraft could land within safe weight limits.
The tensed passengers were later attended to by airline officials, and arrangements for their onward journey are likely to be made after necessary checks, said the officials.
— IANS
Reader Comments
As someone from Kannur, I'm so relieved. My cousin was on that flight! The pilots did a brilliant job circling to dump fuel safely. Air India Express must ensure such issues don't repeat. Airlines need better checks during rainy season especially.
My heart was in my mouth reading this. 18 rounds in the air must have been terrifying for passengers. But good to see proper safety protocols were followed. Hope the investigation is thorough and not just a cover-up. Passenger safety should be paramount.
Flying from Kannur has become scary lately. First the runway issues, now this. UAE return flights are already stressful for workers. Air India Express should ground fleet until full checks done. DGCA must step in. Safety first, not profits.
Kudos to the pilots for handling this professionally! Fuel dumping over sea and controlled landing - textbook procedure. But why was the plane cleared if APU issue was known just recently? Need accountability from airline maintenance team.
Can't imagine the panic of passengers. My brother travels on this route monthly for work. Airlines should provide proper counselling and immediate onward arrangements. Also, why no press release from AI Express? Very poor communication.
Good that everyone is safe, but this
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