Phuket International Airport in Thailand was compelled to temporarily shut down its primary runway on Wednesday, 11 March, following a dramatic incident involving an Air India Express aircraft. The Boeing 737 MAX, operating flight IX938 from Hyderabad, India, executed a severe nose-first landing that resulted in significant damage to the aircraft's nose landing gear.
Incident Details and Immediate Aftermath
According to local authorities, the aircraft touched down at 11:24 am local time, slightly ahead of its scheduled 11:40 am arrival. Preliminary assessments confirmed that the hard landing was so forceful that the plane became immobilised on the runway, unable to taxi to its designated parking area.
All 133 passengers, including two infants, and seven crew members emerged unscathed from the ordeal. They were promptly and safely evacuated from the damaged aircraft following established emergency protocols.
Visual Evidence and Eyewitness Accounts
Bystanders near the airport captured videos and photographs showing the aircraft flying at a notably low altitude before making contact with the tarmac. The landing was described as a pronounced 'bounce' by onlookers. One Russian observer was heard exclaiming, 'Wow, that plane really bounced!' highlighting the visible intensity of the impact.
Operational Disruption and Investigation
The disabled aircraft blocking the runway necessitated an immediate suspension of all flight operations at Phuket International Airport. Officials issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), announcing a temporary runway closure until 6:00 pm local time to facilitate the removal of the Boeing 737 MAX and conduct essential safety inspections.
Initial reports from the scene suggested the incident may have been precipitated by a detached wheel, a failure believed to be a direct consequence of the excessively hard landing. Airport and airline investigators are working to determine the precise cause.
Widespread Travel Chaos
The runway closure triggered significant travel disruption across the region. Inbound flights were forced to hold in nearby airspace, while numerous others were diverted to alternative airports such as Krabi (KBV) and Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK).
The delays affected a diverse group of travellers, including British and Russian passengers. Airport lounges reportedly became overcrowded, with one frustrated passenger telling E2W News, 'Our flight is delayed nine hours.'
Official Statements and Passenger Advice
In an official statement reported by Business Standard, Air India confirmed the incident: 'We confirm that our Hyderabad-Phuket flight on March 11 experienced an issue with the nose wheel at Phuket Airport. The crew followed all standard protocols, and guests were deplaned.'
Authorities are urging all travellers with plans to use Phuket International Airport to check their flight status directly with their airlines before departing for the terminal, as operations gradually resume following the clearance and inspection of the runway.
