On March 11, 2026, an Air India Express Boeing 737 MAX, operating flight IX 938, made a hard landing at Phuket International Airport, Thailand, with 138 people on board. The aircraft, which had departed from Hyderabad at 6:23 AM, landed in Phuket at 11:25 AM local time.

Details of the Landing

Upon touchdown, the aircraft bounced once, resulting in the detachment of both nose wheels. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported among the 132 passengers and 6 crew members. Following the incident, the aircraft was towed to the bay after passengers were safely deplaned on the runway.

Runway Closure and Diversions

The runway at Phuket International Airport was closed for nearly seven hours due to the incident, leading to the diversion of 20 flights to other airports. Phuket International Airport issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) to inform about the temporary closure.

Maintenance and Safety Checks

Prior to the incident, the nose wheels of the aircraft, registered as VT-BWQ, had been replaced on March 8, 2026, as part of routine maintenance. The runway was expected to reopen by 6 PM local time after necessary safety checks were completed.

Official Statements

An Air India Express spokesperson confirmed the incident, stating, “We confirm that our Hyderabad-Phuket flight on March 11 experienced an issue with the nose wheel at Phuket Airport.” Additionally, an AI Express statement noted, “The nose wheels have been installed on the aircraft involved in the incident at Phuket Airport, allowing normal airport operations to resume.”

Expert Insights

Senior aviation experts commented on the situation, with one senior B737 captain stating, “It’s a clear case of a hard landing, with nose wheel damage on the second touchdown.” An experienced pilot added, “Phuket is a tricky place to land if the winds are strong and thermals during hot afternoon time which is usually the case there.”

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Prior to the recent escalation, Dubai International Airport was operating normally, serving as a major hub for international travel in the region. However, the situation changed dramatically following a series of aerial attacks from Iran, which led to significant disruptions in flight operations.

On March 7, 2026, flight operations were suspended at Dubai Airport after an aerial interception during these attacks. A drone strike at the airport caused a brief halt to flights, prompting Emirates to announce that all of their flights to and from Dubai would be suspended until further notice.

The immediate aftermath of the attacks saw the Dubai airport partially resume operations, with some flights operating from both Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC). However, passengers were advised to avoid traveling to the airport unless their flight was confirmed by their airline, reflecting the ongoing uncertainty surrounding flight schedules.

The Dubai government reported that there was a minor incident resulting from the fall of debris after an interception, which fortunately caused no injuries. However, four staff members were injured, and a concourse at the airport sustained damage due to the attacks.

As the situation unfolded, the air defenses of the United Arab Emirates were actively responding to missile and drone threats coming from Iran. This escalation has raised concerns about the safety and security of air travel in the region.

Emirates issued a statement urging passengers, “Please do not go to the airport,” highlighting the disruption and the need for travelers to stay informed about their flight status. Similarly, Dubai Airport echoed this sentiment, advising, “Please do not travel to the airport unless you have been contacted by your airline that your flight is confirmed.”

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact number of flights affected by the suspension and the extent of damage caused by the drone strike. As the situation continues to develop, the impact on both passengers and airline operations remains a critical concern.

This incident marks a significant moment in the ongoing tensions in the region, with Dubai and Abu Dhabi having been targeted by Iran since the start of the conflict last week. The implications for international travel and regional security are yet to be fully understood as authorities assess the situation.

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Dubai International Airport, a major hub for international travel, faced unprecedented disruptions following a series of aerial interceptions linked to attacks from Iran. Prior to these incidents, the airport operated smoothly, with Emirates Airlines managing a robust schedule of flights.

However, on March 7, 2026, a decisive moment occurred when a drone strike prompted the suspension of flight operations. This incident marked a significant shift in the airport’s operational status, as Emirates announced that all flights to and from Dubai would be suspended until further notice.

In the immediate aftermath, the Dubai government reported a minor incident involving the fall of debris due to the aerial interception. Four staff members were injured, and a concourse sustained damage during the attacks, raising concerns about safety and security at the airport.

As the situation unfolded, the air defenses of the United Arab Emirates were activated in response to missile and drone threats from Iran. This escalation in hostilities has heightened tensions in the region, particularly affecting travel and commerce.

By March 7, Dubai Airport partially resumed operations, with some flights operating from both Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Dubai World Central (DWC). Passengers were advised to avoid traveling to the airport unless their flights were confirmed by their airline, as the situation remained fluid.

Emirates reiterated this caution, urging travelers, “Please do not go to the airport.” This statement reflects the ongoing uncertainty surrounding flight schedules and safety protocols.

Experts suggest that the implications of these attacks could extend beyond immediate flight disruptions, potentially affecting the broader aviation industry in the region. The targeting of Dubai and Abu Dhabi by Iranian forces since the onset of the conflict last week underscores the precarious security landscape.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the extent of damage at Dubai airport and the specific targets of the Iranian attacks. As the situation develops, stakeholders in the aviation sector are closely monitoring the impacts on travel and security measures.

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