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Goa: A MiG-29 fighter jet experienced a tyre burst at Dabolim airport in Goa on Tuesday afternoon, just moments before it was scheduled for a routine sortie. The incident led authorities to promptly close the airfield, causing disruptions in passenger flight services.
The aircraft, stranded on the taxiway, suffered the tyre burst but fortunately, no injuries were reported in the incident. Swift action was taken by the fire brigade and other emergency services to address the situation and ensure the safety of all involved.
In response to the incident, the airport’s runway operations were suspended until 4 pm, impacting the services of several passenger flights. The closure prompted the diversion of two flights to the Manohar International Airport at Mopa.
Dabolim airport, situated in South Goa district, operates as part of the naval base INS Hansa. The facility is primarily utilized by naval aircraft during specific times of the day. The MiG-29 was on the taxiway, preparing for its routine sortie when the tyre burst occurred.
“A navy spokesperson confirmed the incident, stating, ‘When the aircraft was on the taxiway ahead of its routine sortie, it suffered a tyre burst. Immediately after that, the fire brigade and other services were pressed into action,'” reported sources.
Due to safety concerns, the airport runway remained closed until 4 pm, impacting the services of ten flights. The director of Dabolim airport, S V T Dhanamjaya, informed the news agency about the situation and the redirection of some flights to the Manohar International Airport at Mopa.
This incident highlights the challenges and safety measures involved in managing military aircraft at shared civilian-military airports, emphasizing the swift response of emergency services to ensure the well-being of all involved parties.
