Kochi, Dec 18: A Kozhikode-bound Air India Express flight carrying 160 passengers executed a precautionary landing at Cochin International Airport Thursday following suspected tyre damage from a foreign object on Jeddah’s runway. Flight IX 398 touched down flawlessly at 9:07 AM under full emergency protocols, with all airport services primed—no injuries to passengers or crew reported.
Spokesperson clarified only right-side tyres burst, no landing gear faults, opting for Kochi over tabletop Karipur for safety. Post-landing checks confirmed the issue; runway swiftly cleared for ops. Passengers deboarded safely, now road-transported to Kozhikode with baggage reconciliation underway. “Safety first—regret the inconvenience,” airline stated amid routine probe.
