In the wake of a hydraulic failure incident involving an Air India Express flight from Trichy to Sharjah, India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has launched a comprehensive investigation to determine the root cause of the malfunction. The aircraft, which carried 141 passengers, encountered the issue shortly after takeoff and circled Trichy airport for over two hours before making a safe landing. The Civil Aviation Ministry has assured the public that safety protocols were followed meticulously, and alternate arrangements for passengers are being made.

Hydraulic Failure Forces Aircraft to Return to Trichy

Incident Overview: The Air India Express flight experienced a hydraulic failure soon after departing from Trichy, en route to Sharjah. The crew, adhering to safety procedures, kept the aircraft in a holding pattern over the city for two-and-a-half hours before safely returning to Trichy airport.

Emergency Response Activated: A full emergency was declared at 1805 hours, with emergency services at the airport responding promptly. The flight landed safely at 2015 hours after exhaustive attempts to resolve the issue mid-flight.

DGCA to Investigate the Cause

Detailed Examination Ordered: Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu has directed the DGCA to conduct a thorough investigation into the aircraft’s hydraulic system to ascertain the precise cause of the malfunction. The probe aims to identify potential technical flaws or maintenance lapses that could have led to the incident.

Passenger Assistance Measures: In the interim, Air India Express has been advised to provide full assistance to the passengers, ensuring that alternate travel arrangements are made to facilitate their onward journey.

Commendation for Crew and Emergency Teams

Praise for Professionalism: Minister Naidu lauded the crew for their exemplary handling of the emergency, noting that all safety protocols were followed meticulously, which ensured the well-being of the passengers throughout the ordeal. He also acknowledged the swift coordination of airport and emergency response teams, which played a critical role in ensuring the safety of all onboard.

Tamil Nadu Governor Expresses Relief

Governor’s Statement: Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi expressed his relief at the outcome and commended the professionalism of the cockpit and cabin crew. He remarked that their calm courage during such a tense situation was commendable, ensuring the safety of all 141 people on board. The Governor also extended his appreciation to the emergency teams for their rapid response.

Air India Express Clarifies the Situation

No Formal Emergency Declared: While the airline initially reported the aircraft had encountered a technical issue with the landing gear, Air India Express clarified that no formal emergency had been declared by the crew. However, the airline acknowledged the inconvenience caused to the passengers and emphasized that alternate aircraft would be arranged for the remaining journey.

Apology Issued: A spokesperson for Air India Express expressed regret for the disruption and assured passengers that every effort was being made to provide smooth onward travel.