Flight heading to Kozhikode diverted to Kochi following technical snags

Kochi: An Air Arabia flight (G9 454) operating from Sharjah to Kozhikode was diverted to Kochi airport in the early hours of Saturday following a technical issue related to the aircraft’s engine reverse thrust system.Cochin International Airport Ltd (Cial) officials said that as per established safety protocols, a local standby was declared at 3.19am, followed by a full emergency at 3.34am to ensure the readiness of all airport emergency response services.The aircraft landed safely at 3.38am and was guided to the designated parking bay. The full emergency was withdrawn at 3.45am after all safety checks were completed, Cial officials informed.There were 170 passengers and nine infants on board and all passengers and crew are safe, officials said. Airport operations remained unaffected. After rectifying the snag, the aircraft departed to Kozhikode at 7.15am, CIAL officials added.