Incident Overview
An Air India Express Boeing 737 MAX, carrying 138 people, made a hard landing at Phuket International Airport on March 11, 2026. The flight, IX 938, departed from Hyderabad at 6:23 am and landed at 11:25 am local time.
Details of the Landing
Upon touchdown, the aircraft bounced once, resulting in the detachment of both nose wheels. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among the passengers and crew, which included 132 passengers and 6 crew members.
Runway Closure and Diversions
The incident led to the closure of the runway for nearly seven hours, during which 20 flights were diverted to other airports. Phuket International Airport issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) to inform about the temporary closure.
Safety Measures and Maintenance
The aircraft involved, registered as VT-BWQ, had undergone routine maintenance, including the replacement of the nose wheels on March 8, 2026. The crew followed all standard protocols during the incident, ensuring the safety of all on board.
Official Statements
An Air India Express spokesperson confirmed the incident, stating, “We confirm that our Hyderabad-Phuket flight on March 11 experienced an issue with the nose wheel at Phuket Airport.” An official statement from the airline noted, “The nose wheels have been installed on the aircraft involved in the incident at Phuket Airport, allowing normal airport operations to resume.”
Expert Insights
According to a senior B737 captain, “It’s a clear case of a hard landing, with nose wheel damage on the second touchdown.” An experienced pilot added, “Phuket is a tricky place to land if the winds are strong and thermals during hot afternoon time which is usually the case there.”
Current Status
The runway at Phuket International Airport was expected to reopen by 6 pm local time after safety checks were completed. Details remain unconfirmed regarding any further investigations into the incident.
