An Air India Express flight arriving from Hyderabad made a hard landing at Phuket International Airport on Wednesday, March 11, 2026. The Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft experienced a mechanical failure when its nose wheels detached upon touchdown on the runway. All 138 passengers and crew members were evacuated safely without any reported injuries, though the aircraft sustained significant structural damage during the event.
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Details of the Flight IX938 Incident
The flight originated from Hyderabad and was scheduled to land in Phuket at approximately 11:24 AM local time. According to flight tracking data, the aircraft performed a heavy landing on Runway 09, causing the plane to bounce. During this sequence, both nose wheels detached from the landing gear assembly. The nose gear strut made direct contact with the tarmac, causing the aircraft to skid for several hundred meters before coming to a stop. Initial technical reports indicate damage to the landing gear and buckling of the lower fuselage skin above the front assembly.
Information for Travelers and Flight Data
The incident led to the immediate activation of emergency procedures and the temporary closure of the only runway at Phuket International Airport. This resulted in a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) being issued, causing multiple flight diversions and cancellations for several hours. The runway was eventually cleared and reopened for operations late on the evening of March 11 after the plane was towed away.
| Flight Number | IX938 / AXB938 |
|---|---|
| Aircraft Registration | VT-BWQ (Boeing 737 MAX 8) |
| Total Persons on Board | 131 Passengers, 2 Infants, 7 Crew |
| Incident Date | March 11, 2026 |
Investigation and Official Statements
Air India Express confirmed the nose wheel issue and stated that the crew followed all safety protocols during the deplaning process. India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and Thailand’s aviation authorities have launched a formal probe into the matter. The investigation will determine if the gear failure was caused by the force of the hard landing, a mechanical defect, or environmental factors. Boeing will also participate in the investigation as the aircraft manufacturer under international aviation law.
