An Air India Express flight experienced a significant landing gear malfunction upon arrival at Phuket Airport, resulting in the temporary shutdown of the runway for several hours. The incident involved Flight AXB938, which departed from Hyderabad and was carrying 133 passengers.
Details of the Incident
The aircraft, a Boeing 737 MAX 8, reportedly lost a wheel from its nose landing gear during the landing procedure. Despite the damage, all passengers were successfully deplaned without any injuries or casualties. Emergency services responded promptly to ensure a safe evacuation.
Impact on Airport Operations
Phuket Airport authorities were forced to close the runway to facilitate the removal of the disabled aircraft. This closure lasted for several hours, causing disruptions to flight schedules and airport traffic. Officials worked diligently to clear the runway and restore normal operations as quickly as possible.
Broader Safety Concerns for Air India Group
This event adds to a growing list of safety issues plaguing the Air India Group. Recent reports have highlighted multiple concerns, including reprimands for failing to replace engine parts and allegations of falsified maintenance records.
Parliamentary Findings and Investigations
A parliamentary report has revealed that over 70% of the Air India Group's fleet suffers from recurring technical defects. Additionally, ongoing investigations are examining a deadly crash in Ahmedabad that occurred last June, as well as reports of critical defects in fuel control switches across the fleet.
The combination of these factors underscores persistent challenges in maintaining safety standards within the airline group, raising questions about regulatory compliance and operational integrity.
