Kochi: Gulf Air Skid Off - Flights Diverted to Thiruvananthapuram, Bangalore
Daijiworld Media Network
Kochi, Aug 29: Kochi International Airport has been completely shut down, following the deviation of Gulf Air plane GF 270 with six crew members from the runway at 4.10 am on Monday, August 29. Flights are reportedly being diverted to Thiruvananthapuram and Bangalore airports.
Etihad flight from Abu Dhabi and two Jet Airways flights from Sharjah and Muscat have been diverted to Thiruvananthapuram, while an Oman-Kochi flight has been redirected to Bangalore.
Airport spokesperson speaking to daijiworld said, "Passengers are being brought by road to Kochi from Thiruvananthapuram."
"Efforts are on to start operations at the airport at least partially," the spokesperson said.
Several flights scheduled for departure have been affected. It is expected that by 3 pm, the airport will be fully operational. Until then the runway will be closed, said airport official Bhushan.
According to initial reports, seven passengers were injured in the incident, but most of them with minor injuries were immediately discharged from the hospital.
One passenger, Saithmohed (47) from Palakkad who suffered fractures is still undergoing treatment at the hospital.
Gulf Air flight from Bahrain with 137 passengers veered off the runway as it was landing at the international airport and went into a muddy area, damaging its nose wheel.
The Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) E K Bharat Bhushan has ordered an enquiry into the incident.