An Air India Express flight. ARCHIVE

Pilots of an Air India Express flight are being praised for their quick thinking and skilled handling after safely landing a Sharjah-bound aircraft that experienced a hydraulic failure shortly after takeoff. The incident, which took place on Friday (October 11), saw flight AXB 613 successfully return to Tiruchirappalli International Airport, averting a potential disaster and ensuring the safety of all 141 passengers on board. The drama began just minutes after the plane departed from Tiruchirappalli at 5:40pm. Pilots reported a hydraulic malfunction, a serious issue that could have jeopardized the aircraft's control systems. Ground control advised the flight to return, but the full fuel load on board made an immediate landing dangerous. The pilots opted to hold the plane in a controlled pattern, allowing time to burn off excess fuel while emergency preparations were made on the ground. For more than two and a half hours, the aircraft circled the airport. Ground crews at Tiruchirappalli were placed on high alert, with 20 ambulances and 18 fire engines positioned for any potential outcome. “It was a tense situation, but the pilots remained calm and worked closely with air traffic control,” said Gopalakrishnan, the airport director. Emergency crews were prepared for everything, including a belly landing. The flight eventually touched down safely at 8:15pm, with passengers breathing a collective sigh of relief. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu praised the pilots, saying, “Their quick actions and professionalism ensured the safety of everyone on board.” He also commended the ground teams for their preparedness and coordination during the emergency. An Air India Express spokesperson later clarified that while a technical issue had occurred, the crew did not declare an official emergency. However, the decision to circle and burn fuel was described as a precautionary measure due to the runway’s length. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has launched an investigation into the incident to determine the cause of the hydraulic failure. The airline has promised full cooperation and is assisting affected passengers with their travel arrangements. ICA/Expat Media
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