Kerala, July 24 - Air India Express flight IX375, a Boeing 737-86N (Reg. VT-GHB), on the morning of July 23, 2025, departed from Calicut International Airport in Kerala, India, at approximately 9:07 AM local time, bound for Doha, Qatar. Carrying 188 individuals, including passengers, pilots, and crew, the flight was scheduled to arrive at Doha’s Hamad International Airport by 10:50 AM. However, just over two hours into its journey, the aircraft encountered a technical issue that prompted a precautionary return to its point of origin. The plane landed safely back at Calicut International Airport at 11:12 AM, ensuring the safety of all on board. Airport officials and the airline later confirmed that the issue stemmed from a malfunction in the aircraft’s cabin air conditioning system, which, while not critical, necessitated immediate action to maintain passenger comfort and safety.
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The decision to return to Calicut was made as a precautionary measure after the cabin crew detected the irregularity in the air conditioning system while the aircraft was cruising over the Arabian Sea. Authorities emphasized that this was not an emergency landing but a controlled maneuver to address the technical fault. Upon landing, all 188 passengers and crew members were safely deplaned, and the airline promptly initiated arrangements to minimize disruption. Passengers were provided with food and refreshments at the airport while Air India Express worked to resolve the situation. The airline arranged an alternative aircraft to ensure the passengers could continue their journey to Doha with minimal delay. This replacement flight departed Calicut at 2:16 PM on the same day, allowing travelers to reach their destination later than originally planned but without further incident.
The incident with flight IX375 is one of several recent technical issues reported in Indian aviation, highlighting the challenges airlines face in maintaining operational reliability. Just a day prior, on July 22, 2025, an Air India flight from Hong Kong to Delhi experienced a fire in its auxiliary power unit after landing, though all passengers disembarked safely. For flight IX375, Air India Express adhered to all necessary safety protocols, and the swift response ensured that passenger safety was never compromised. Airport officials noted that the technical fault would either be rectified or the affected aircraft would undergo a thorough inspection before returning to service. The airline’s spokesperson described the return as a standard precautionary measure, underscoring their commitment to prioritizing passenger safety and comfort.
This event underscores the critical importance of robust aviation safety protocols, which enable airlines to address technical issues promptly and effectively. For passengers, the experience, while inconvenient, was managed efficiently, with the airline providing clear communication and support throughout the process. The successful resolution of the incident, with no injuries or further complications, reflects the preparedness of Air India Express and Calicut International Airport in handling such situations. Travelers were able to continue their journey to Doha, and the airline’s proactive measures ensured that the disruption was kept to a minimum, reinforcing the industry’s focus on safety above all else.