Fear of flying at Air India: Pilots celebrated for saving lives on a flight to Sharjah

Air India Express flight 613, which departed from Tiruchirappalli at 5:30 pm on Friday, experienced a problem with the landing gear. The plane circled the city to conserve fuel before landing safely around 8:15 p.m. An alternative aircraft was organized for the passengers.

Pictures surfaced on social media showing the pilots of the aircraft Iqrom Rifadly Fahmi Zainal and co-pilot Maitryee Shrikrishna Shitole leaving the Tiruchirapalli airport soon after landing.

Murlidhar Mohol, Minister of State for Civil Aviation, said a serious accident was averted through coordination between the pilot, ATC and the airport director.

Mohol said, “An Air India Express flight flying from Trichy airport to Sharjah had to be landed back at Trichy airport due to hydraulic failure. The landing took two hours because the pilots wanted to reduce fuel, so the plane flew in the air. Landed in the air for two hours at an altitude of about 4000 feet. Today, 150 people landed, including the pilot crew and migrants, thanks to the coordination between the pilot, ATC and the airport director. “

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin also expressed happiness after the Air India Express flight from Tiruchirapalli to Sharjah landed safely at Tiruchirapalli Airport. When CM Stallin went to X, he wrote: “Glad to hear that the Air India Express flight has landed safely. When I received the news of the undercarriage problem, I immediately coordinated an emergency meeting with officials by telephone and instructed them to implement all necessary safety measures, including the deployment of fire engines, ambulances and medical assistance.”

The Tamil Nadu Governor also thanked the captain and co-pilot for landing the flight safely.

“Many thanks to the captain and co-pilot for the safe landing of flight IX613 from Tiruchirappalli to Sharjah following the landing gear failure. The courage and calm professionalism of the cockpit and cabin crew truly shone in this difficult and tense moment. “Warm appreciation goes out.” We thank everyone involved, including emergency services, for ensuring the safety of everyone on board and wish everyone a smooth journey,” said Tamil Nadu Governor N. Ravi.

Trichy district collector Pradeep Kumar said the plane had a landing problem and as soon as the problem was identified, officials coordinated with the airport authority and air traffic control to help the plane.

Kumar noted that the pilot played a crucial role in ensuring the safety of passengers.

“The flight had a landing problem. After the landing problem was identified, we contacted the airport authority and air traffic control. They had contacted the pilot and it was confirmed that there was a 90 percent probability.” “From that point on, we as the district administration ensured the safety measures and were well prepared,” he said.

“We had around 18 ambulances and medical teams at the airport. We had mobilized the medical team in and around Trichy. I would like to congratulate the pilots for saving the lives of the passengers,” he said.