Phuket, Thailand – An Air India Express flight from Hyderabad to Phuket experienced a significant incident on March 11, 2026, when its nose landing gear failed upon touchdown at Phuket International Airport. The aircraft, an Air India Express Boeing 737 MAX 8 operating as flight IX938, came to a halt on the runway, leading to its immediate closure and causing substantial disruptions to airport operations. Fortunately, all 140 individuals on board, including passengers and crew, were safely evacuated, and no injuries were reported.
The incident occurred around noon local time when flight IX938, carrying 131 passengers, two infants, and seven crew members, made a hard landing on runway 09. Preliminary reports and video footage suggest the aircraft bounced once after the initial touchdown before making a second contact with the runway, during which the nose wheels detached from the aircraft. This resulted in the main landing gear strut making direct contact with the tarmac, leaving the aircraft disabled and unable to taxi clear.
Following the incident, Phuket International Airport's sole runway was closed for several hours to allow for the removal of the aircraft and necessary safety inspections. The closure, which was initially expected to last until 9 PM local time, significantly impacted air traffic, forcing numerous inbound flights, including those from Emirates, AirAsia, and Bangkok Airways, to divert to alternative airports.
Air India Express confirmed the issue with the nose wheel and stated that the crew followed all standard safety protocols during the event. The airline also expressed gratitude to the passengers and airport authorities for their cooperation. While the immediate aftermath saw the aircraft grounded and engineers dispatched for repairs, the airline later reported that replacement nose wheels had been fitted, allowing for the eventual reopening of the runway.
This incident marks the latest in a series of challenges for Air India Express and its parent company, Air India, in recent months. Investigations into the specific cause of the nose gear failure are underway, with aviation authorities in Thailand and India collaborating to determine the factors contributing to the event. The airline has assured that the incident will be investigated in accordance with established procedures.
