Air India Flight Crashed In Kozhikode Was Flying Under Vande Bharat Mission; Helpline Numbers Released

As per the early reports, the Dubai-Kozhikode Air India flight (IX-1344) with as many as 191 passengers including ten infants on board en route from Dubai skidded during landing at Karipur Airport at around 7.45 pm today.

Air India Express flight with passengers on board en route from Dubai skidded off the runway while landing, in Kozhikode. (Image: PTI)

Kozhikode: In a highly shocking incident, an Air India Express flight operating under India's Vande Bharat Mission to repatriate stranded Indians in Dubia skidded off the runway while landing at Karipur Airport of Kozhikode in Kerala on Friday evening.  As per the early reports, the Dubai-Kozhikode Air India flight (IX-1344) with as many as 191 passengers including ten infants on board en route from Dubai skidded during landing at Karipur Airport at around 7.45 pm today. There were 6 crew members onboard, including two pilots,  Air India Express said in an official statement. Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed the incident saying "Air India Express AXB1344, B737 Dubai to Calicut, person on board 191, visibility 2000 meter, heavy rain, after landing Runway 10, continue running to the end of the runway and fell down in the valley and broke down into two pieces." GDCA has reportedly ordered a detailed probe into the matter. Meanwhile it has been reported that the rescue mission is under. Reports of injuries have also came to light. The Minister of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Anurag Srivastava also shared grief over the tragedy of Air India Express flight and also shared MEA helpline numbers which are open 24 x 7.

We are deeply saddened by the tragedy of Air India Express Flight No IX 1344 at Kozhikode.

MEA helplines are open 24x7: ???? 1800 118 797 ???? +91 11 23012113 ????+91 11 23014104 ????+91 11 23017905 Fax: +91 11 23018158 Email: covid19@mea.gov.in — Anurag Srivastava (@MEAIndia) August 7, 2020

Meanwhile, the Embassy of India operating in Dubai has extended its assistance in tracking and updating the developments in the major mishap. The Indian mission has also shared helplines 056 546 3903, 0543090572, 0543090572, 0543090575 for any kind of help.

Air India Express Flight No IX 1344 from Dubai to Calicut skidded off the runway.We pray for well being of passengers and crew and will keep you updated as and when we receive further updates.Our helplines 056 546 3903, 0543090572, 0543090572, 0543090575 @MOS_MEA @IndembAbuDhabi

— India in Dubai (@cgidubai) August 7, 2020

Reacting to the incident, Kerala Chief Minister assured quick assistance and probe in the matter. Taking to his official Twitter account, CM said, " Have instructed Police and Fire Force to take urgent action in the wake of the plane crash at the Kozhikode International airport (CCJ) in Karipur. Have also directed the officials to make necessary arrangements for rescue and medical support."