Miraculous Landing: Air India Express Flight Lands Safely After 2-Hour Mid Air Scare

New Delhi: The Air India Express Flight IX 613 from Tiruchirapalli to Sharjah has landed safely at Tiruchirapalli airport, the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) confirmed on Friday. “DGCA was monitoring the situation. The landing gear was opening. The flight has landed normally. The airport was put on alert mode”, the MoCA said in a statement. 

Air India Flight Faces Hydraulic Issue

Due to a hydraulic issue, Air India Express flight IX613 hovered over Trichy, Tamil Nadu, for nearly two hours. The aircraft, carrying 140 passengers, was redirected to Trichy Airport, where it remained in a holding pattern to burn off excess fuel. 

CM Stalin Congratulates Captain, 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. 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", Stalin tweeted. 

Meanwhile, speaking to reporters Dean of Trichy Government Medical College said, "We have 140 passengers, all are safe. We had prepared everything like ambulances, beds and were on alert mode. The flight has landed safely, so we are relieved..."

Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi lauded the captain and co-pilot, saying "Many thanks to the captain and the co-pilot for the safe landing of flight IX613 from Tiruchirappalli to Sharjah after the landing gear glitch. The courage and calm professionalism of the cockpit and cabin crew truly shone during this trying and tense moment..."  

Air India IX613 Flight Declares Mid-Air Emergency | What Exactly Happened

• The flight, carrying 141 passengers, took off at 5:30 PM but encountered an issue with its landing gear, which failed to retract, according to sources at Trichy Airport.
• By 8:00 PM, the aircraft was still airborne, with protocol dictating that the plane circle the airspace to burn off excess fuel before attempting to land.
• Shortly after 8:00 PM, the flight landed safely without incident.
• An official explained that the delay in landing was due to the time required to empty the fuel because the landing gear could not retract properly.
• "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", said MoCA. 
• Emergency measures were prepared, including the deployment of 18 fire engines, in anticipation of a possible belly landing. The situation was carefully monitored as the crew worked to ensure a safe landing for all passengers and crew on board.  
• IX613 has been holding since shortly after take off from Tiruchirappalli nearly 2 hours ago due to a technical issue.
• The Trichy airport director said that the pilot had alerted ground control about the hydraulic failure. 
• More than 20 ambulances and fire tenders are placed at the airport.
• “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", said An Air India Express Spokesperson
• "Air India flight from Trichy to Sharjah faced a technical problem (Hydraulic failure) and is rounding in air space to decrease the fuel before landing at Trichy airport. More than 20 Ambulances and fire tenders are placed at the airport to make sure no big accident occurs", said Airport Director Gopalakrishnan. 

What Is Belly Landing?

A belly landing is an emergency landing where an aircraft touches down without extending its landing gear, meaning it lands directly on its underside, or "belly." This situation typically arises when there is a malfunction or failure in the landing gear system, preventing it from deploying properly. During a belly landing, pilots will usually follow specific emergency protocols, such as burning off excess fuel (to reduce the risk of fire), aiming for a smooth landing surface, and notifying emergency services. While risky, a well-executed belly landing can minimize damage and ensure the safety of passengers and crew.