Air India Express Flight Makes Hard Landing In Phuket, Damaging Nose-Wheels; Runway Shut

An Air India Express flight from Hyderabad to Phuket suffered significant damage after making a hard landing at Phuket International Airport in Thailand on March 11, 2026. Photos showing the damage to the aircraft are now going viral on social media. Fortunately, all passengers were reported safe. Here’s more about the incident and the latest updates.

Air India Express Hyderabad-Phuket Flight Suffers Damage

Phuket Airport runway closed after Air India Express #IX938 landing incident. Front gear damaged, runway closed until 11:00 UTC ✈️ pic.twitter.com/kJvaJPcnlV

— Capt_Ck (@Capt_Ck) March 11, 2026

According to a report by Deccan Herald, the Air India Express Boeing 737 MAX 8 suffered damage when two of its nose wheels detached from the aircraft. The aircraft, VT-BWQ, was operating flight IX938 from Hyderabad to Phuket. It reportedly made an abrupt hard landing at Phuket International Airport, Thailand. 

Reportedly, the aircraft made a rough touchdown on the runway and bounced before finally settling. After landing, the aircraft became stuck on the runway. This incident forced the authorities to temporarily suspend flight operations at the airport. The number of passengers on board was not immediately known. An X user @Capt_Ck also posted images of the aircraft with its front landing gear damaged.

Also Read: Kathmandu-Bound Air India Express Flight Diverts Twice, Passengers Protest At Bengaluru Airport

No Injuries Reported 

According to a report by The Hindu, the Air India Express flight departed from Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) at 6:42 am and landed in Phuket at 11:24 am. Air India Express also released an official statement regarding the incident. The airline confirmed that the Hyderabad-Phuket flight on March 11 experienced an issue with the nose wheel.

The crew followed all standard protocols, and passengers were safely deplaned. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and everyone was safe. The runway at Phuket International Airport is expected to remain closed until further notice. Authorities are now carrying out necessary inspections and clearance operations.

Also Read: From March 12, Air India Flights Get Costlier; Fuel Fee To Be Charged Amid West Asia Conflict

The hard landing surely made passengers anxious. Thankfully, everyone is safe. We are awaiting further details on the incident.

Cover Image Courtesy: @Capt_Ck/X