A-I plane makes emergency landing at Delhi airport

New Delhi, April 9 2007

Air India flight AI-349 Shanghai-Bangkok-Delhi-Mumbai made an emergency landing in Delhi on April 9, 2007 at 6:35 am, due to a technical snag in the locking system of the front landing gear. The aircraft landed safely with all the passengers onboard.

In the press release issued by Air India said, the commander used all emergency procedures as per the safety manual and brought the aircraft to a halt on the run way। The passengers were disembarked using the step ladder. However, when the aircraft was being towed away from the runway to a remote bay for repair through a taxi track, the nose gear capsized as a result of which further operations were affected.

However, 183 passengers on board were reported to be safe and de-boarded the plane after being in the aircraft for about an hour। The main runway, which is closed, is cleared.

The 134 Mumbai bound passengers from Delhi, are being accommodated on an Indian Airlines flight, which is depart at 12:30 pm from the domestic terminal। The remaining 57 passengers, already aboard AI-349, have been given the option to board the Mumbai bound Indian Airlines flight along with the other passengers, without their baggage. Their baggage would be delivered directly at the Mumbai airport.

Meanwhile Air India officials along with DGCA experts is investigating the incident and the aircraft is being towed to a safer place for repair by using a recovery kit।

Airport runway is blocked temporarily as a precautionary safety measure। The lights have been installed by the Airport authorities on the run way to demarcate the area which cannot be used. The run way is now open partially, A-I release adds.

The Air India staff at Delhi are taking all measures to assist the passengers and deeply regrets the inconvenience caused.