Gulf Air passengers recall 'miraculous' escape

Passengers flying on the Gulf Air flight from Bahrain that overshot the runway at Nedumbaseery airport in Kochi on Monday morning have termed their escape as miraculous.

At least 12 international flights were diverted to other destinations while departing flights delayed by several hours, including two Etihad Airways, Emirates airlines and Air India express flights.

Officials said the runway was partially opened for flights by afternoon and it would not be fully restored until late tonight.

About ten domestic flights and an international flight were cancelled while the remaining flights were rescheduled.

The incident occurred at around 3.55am when the Airbus A320 carrying 137 passengers and from Bahrain overshot the runway, which the pilot blamed on poor visibility and bad weather.

Six of the seven passengers who were injured were discharged after receiving first aid.

One of them, Syed Mohammed of Palakkad has been hospitalised. He was injured after he jumped out of the emergency exit even before the ladders could be brought on. Aircraft’s wings, nose wheel and engine have been damaged.

Airport was expected to begin normal operations from 11.30pm Monday.

Earlier story

According to initial reports received on Monday afternoon, all flights from UAE to Kochi - a city in the south Indian state of Kerala - were on schedule even as airport authorities started work on clearing the site after a Gulf Air flight - Airbus A320 - from Bahrain overshot the runway early Monday morning.

Seven people are reported injured, one seriously, in the mishap that damaged the nose of the aircraft.

Initial probe suggest rains and wind led to the incident at around 3.55am, the aircraft’s scheduled arrival time at Kochi.

According to reports, 136 adults, an infant and six crew memebrs were aboard the flight.

Some passengers allegedly jumped out from the aircraft using the emergency exit even before the flight could completely come to a halt. 

Meanwhile, authorities said the runway that was closed for bigger aircraft following the incident will not be reday for use until late in the afternoon.

While many domestic flight to the airport has been cancelled, international flights to Kochi remain on schedule.

Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.