MiG-29K fighter jet suffers tyre burst at Dabolim airport, operations halted flights diverted

Dabolim, Goa: A MiG-29K fighter aircraft of the Indian Navy encountered a tyre burst while on the taxiway at Dabolim airport in Goa, moments before it was scheduled for a routine sortie, as per reports on Tuesday , December 26. Officials confirmed that no injuries were reported in this incident, although the aircraft became stranded on the taxiway as a result.

Emergency services, including the fire brigade, responded to the tyre burst, which led to the closure of the airport's runway until 4 pm. This closure affected the operations of passenger flights, with approximately 10 flights experiencing disruptions. According to officials, some flights were redirected to Manohar International Airport at Mopa due to the temporary closure.

The navy spokesperson highlighted that the single-pilot aircraft involved in the incident would be relocated from the taxiway, although the specific timing of the occurrence was not disclosed."When the aircraft was on the taxiway ahead of its routine sortie, it suffered a tyre burst. Immediately after that, the fire brigade and other services were pressed into action," the spokesperson said.

Dabolim airport, situated in South Goa district, operates within the premises of the naval base INS Hansa and is  used by naval aircraft during specific periods of the day.

S V T Dhanamjaya, the director of Dabolim airport, confirmed the operational shutdown until 4 pm due to the incident, affecting several flight services.

Efforts to move the affected aircraft and restore normal airport operations were underway following the incident at the naval base's airport facility.

(This is a developing story)