Close Shave For Passengers As AI Express Flight Hits Lamp Post On Landing

Vijayawada: Around 70 people on board an Air India Express flight had a providential escape after the aircraft’s wing hit a lamp post on the runway after landing at Vijayawada International Airport on Saturday evening.

Flight IX-1676 was travelling from Doha to Tiruchirappalli, via Vijayawada. The plane landed at the Gannavaram airport at about 6 pm.

Confirming “a minor accident” had taken place, a spokesperson of Air India Express informed that all passengers and crew are safe.

“It landed safely and was being taken towards taxiway when one of the wings accidentally hit a lamp post located on one side. The aircraft was halted and all the 64 passengers disembarked. Everybody is safe and there are no injuries to anybody,” the spokesperson said.

Nineteen passengers were to disembark at Vijayawada, while the others were to travel to Tiruchirappalli.

“They have been taken to the airport lounge and alternative arrangements are being made to ferry them to their destination,” the spokesperson said.

An inquiry has been ordered. “Whether the aircraft’s wing hit the lamp post due to improper marking on the taxiway or for any other reason will be known after the investigation,” the spokesperson said.