Air India's Sharjah-Bound Flight Circles Trichy for 2 Hours Due to Tech Glitch

A flight bound for Sharjah from Tiruchirappalli encountered a technical issue shortly after takeoff on Friday evening but successfully landed without incident, according to police reports.

In response to the situation, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin convened an emergency meeting with officials, directing them to implement all necessary safety protocols. He later expressed his gratitude to the flight captain and crew for their adept handling of the situation.

The incident occurred shortly after the aircraft took off around 5:30 PM when a hydraulic system fault related to the landing gear was detected. The pilots skillfully managed the circumstances and safely brought the plane back to Tiruchirappalli Airport.

In a post on social media platform X, the Chief Minister stated, "I am heartened to hear that the #AirIndiaExpress flight has landed safely. Upon learning of the landing gear issue, I coordinated an emergency meeting with officials over the phone and instructed them to implement all necessary safety measures, including the deployment of fire engines, ambulances, and medical assistance."

He also instructed the District Collector to ensure the ongoing safety of all passengers and to provide any necessary support.

As part of standard protocol, fire tenders, rescue personnel, and ambulances were dispatched to the airport ahead of the aircraft's arrival. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is currently monitoring the situation.

An Air India Express spokesperson clarified that no emergency was declared by the flight crew. "After reporting a technical snag, the aircraft circled multiple times in the designated area as a precautionary measure to reduce fuel and weight before making a safe precautionary landing," the spokesperson stated.

The airline has committed to conducting a thorough investigation into the cause of the technical issue and is arranging an alternative aircraft for the passengers' onward journey.