PHUKET — Operations at Phuket International Airport were temporarily suspended on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, after an Air India Express Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft experienced a severe landing incident that resulted in both its nose wheels detaching on the runway. Flight IX938, which departed from Hyderabad earlier in the day, was involved in what a senior official from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) described as a “suspected hard landing with a bounce” on Runway 9.
According to reports, the aircraft (registration VT-BWQ) hit the ground with excessive force, causing the nose gear assembly to fail and both wheels to separate completely from the strut. Despite the mechanical failure and the aircraft becoming stuck on the active runway, all passengers and crew members were successfully deplaned and transported to the terminal building. No injuries were reported in the aftermath of the incident.
Key Details of the Incident
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Status of Aircraft: The Boeing 737 MAX 8 remains stuck on the runway and is currently being towed to a parking bay.
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Maintenance History: In a significant revelation, a DGCA official noted that both nose wheels of the aircraft had been replaced as part of routine maintenance just three days ago, on March 8.
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Regulatory Action: The DGCA has confirmed that a thorough investigation will be conducted in coordination with Thailand’s aviation authorities to determine if the failure was due to the “hard landing” impact, a technical fault in the nose gear, or an error during the recent maintenance procedure.
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Airport Impact: The disablement of the aircraft on the primary runway led to a temporary suspension of all arrivals and departures at Phuket, causing several flight diversions to nearby airports.
An Air India Express spokesperson stated that the crew followed all standard safety protocols during the “nose wheel issue” and emphasized that guest safety remained the priority. While the exact number of passengers on board is still being verified, airline representatives are working to provide alternative travel arrangements for those affected by the subsequent flight delays.
