Aflight skidded off the runway at the Kozhikode International airport in Kerala, also known as the Karipur airport. The plane was an Air India Express aircraft part of India's "Vande Bharat" repatriation initiative to bring back expatriates from foreign countries.

Fourteen, including former Indian Air Force (IAF) test pilot Captain DV Sathe and his co-pilot, have died while the injured are being treated at the MIMS hospital and Baby Memorial hospital in Calicut. Four of those onboard are still being rescued from under the debris while officials say that all those onboard the Air India Express aircraft suffered injuries.

At least 170 of those onboard the flight, including passengers and cabin crew, have been rescued, DGCA DG Arun Kumar said. A helpline (0565463903) has been set up for families of passengers of IX-1344. President of the Indian Association in Sharjah EP Johnson has also launched a similar helpline number. He said, "Those in need can call us on the following numbers: 050 - 3675770, 050 4828472, and 050 6266546.”

Preliminary inputs indicate that the fuselage broke into two after the aircraft overshot the runway at Karipur airport. The aircraft has been identified as AXB1344, B737 Dubai (DXB) to Calicut (CCJ), an Air India Express flight from Dubai to Kozhikode. Inputs suggest that a missed approach was carried out first followed by a second attempt to land the aircraft when it overshot the runway. The aircraft’s actual speed was higher than the landing speed.

All agencies have been instructed by the Kerala CMO to participate in the rescue operations. AC Moideen, minister for local bodies has been deputed to coordinate rescue operations. He has already left for Karipur from Thrissur. CM Vijayan has also deputed an IG of police to oversee the operation. Fire and Rescue teams from at least two districts have been rushed to the spot.

Kerala Health Minister KK Shailaja said, “14 people have succumbed to injuries. Evacuation efforts are almost over. A few passengers are still stuck.”

She added, “There are children who were separated from their families. We are trying to get in touch with their relatives.”

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said in a tweet, “Have instructed Police and Fire Force to take urgent action in the wake of the plane crash at the Kozhikode International airport (CCJ) in Karipur. Have also directed the officials to make necessary arrangements for rescue and medical support.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also spoke to Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan and took stock of the situation. CM Vijayan told PM Modi that a team of officials including Kozhikode and Malappuram District Collectors and IG Ashok Yadav have arrived at the airport and participating in the rescue operation. President Ram Nath Kovind also spoke to Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan over the incident.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued a statement saying, "Air India Express IX 1344 Dubai to Calicut, visibility 2000 meter, heavy rain, after landing Runway 10, continue running to the end of the runway and fell down in the valley and broke down into two pieces."

Air India Express also issued a statement saying, “We regret that there has been an incident regarding our aircraft VT GHK, operating IX 1344 DXB CCJ. Due to crash landing of the flight, it may affect the network but Vande Bharat Mission continues.”

Additional DG (Media) at the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Rajeev Jain told media outlets, “Passengers are being taken to hospital for medical care,” he added.

Director-General DGCA Arun Kumar told India Today that there were 174 passengers, 10 infants, four crew members and two pilots onboard. He added, “Air India Express Flight No IX-1344 from Dubai to Calicut skidded off the runway. We pray for well being of passengers and crew and will keep you updated as and when we receive further updates.”

Kumar also said that the Kozhikode International Airport is a valley airport, adding that the injured have been rushed to nearby hospitals.

Two teams of the National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF), one from Malappuram and another from Wayanad have arrived at the airport in Kerala's Kozhikode. These teams comprise 60 NDRF personnel equipped with first aid and electrical equipment.

Sources in Air India say a relief aircraft is on standby from Delhi to Mumbai and is waiting for the weather to clear up.

Kerala Director General of Police (DGP) Loknath Behra told India Today, "All hands on deck. We are still trying to get more information. The flight was from Dubai to Calicut. Priority is evacuation, safety and treatment of passengers on board."

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