Incident Overview
On March 11, 2026, an Air India Express Boeing 737 MAX, carrying 138 people, made a hard landing at Phuket International Airport in Thailand. The flight, IX 938, had departed from Hyderabad at 6:23 am and was scheduled to arrive in Phuket at 11:25 am local time.
Details of the Landing
Upon landing, the aircraft bounced once, resulting in the detachment of both nose wheels. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported among the 132 passengers and 6 crew members on board.
Impact on Airport Operations
The incident led to the temporary closure of the runway at Phuket International Airport for nearly seven hours. During this time, 20 flights were diverted to other airports, causing significant disruptions to travel plans.
Response and Safety Measures
The aircraft was towed to the bay after passengers were safely deplaned on the runway. Phuket International Airport issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) regarding the runway closure, which was expected to reopen by 6 pm local time after necessary safety checks.
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 additional 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.”
This incident follows a history of challenging landings at Phuket International Airport, known for its difficult weather conditions. The aircraft involved was registered as VT-BWQ and had undergone routine maintenance just days prior to the incident, with the nose wheels replaced on March 8, 2026.
Looking Ahead
As operations resume, authorities will continue to assess the situation to ensure the safety of future flights. Details remain unconfirmed regarding any further investigations into the incident.
