Passenger flight crashes upon landing at Calicut airport in India

August 8, 2020

Yesterday, an passenger flight attempted a landing at  at, Kerala in India. The aircraft overshot the around 7:38 pm  (1408 ) in the evening and slid off before breaking into at least two pieces. According to authorities, at least a dozen people lost their lives and scores more were injured.

Air India Express flight 1344 (AXB1344/IX1344) was en-route from Dubai, UAE making its second attempt at a landing at Calicut during rains. The flight was part of the to return Indian nationals during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aircraft was a.

According to the, Calicut has a , so when the aircraft failed to stop on the runway, it fell into a ditch or gorge. The aircraft broke into two pieces but did not catch fire, according to the. There were 190 people on board, six of them crew members.

Civil Aviation Minister said 18 people died. 149 of the survivors have been hospitalized. Hardeep also stated that both of the have been recovered.

Among the dead are both the pilot and co-pilot. The said, "The injured persons have been rushed to Kozhikode Medical College and other nearby hospitals. Those admitted are having serious injuries."

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote, "My thoughts are with those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest. [...] Authorities are at the spot, providing all assistance to the affected."