Close Call: Alliance Air Flight Near Miss at Shimla Airport
Emergency Averted: Alliance Air Flight Faces Technical Malfunction at Shimla’s Jubbarhatti Airport
On March 24, 2025, a potentially dangerous situation unfolded at Shimla’s Jubbarhatti Airport (SLV) when an Alliance Air (9I) flight encountered a technical malfunction during landing. Thanks to the quick thinking of the pilot, who activated emergency braking procedures, a disaster was narrowly avoided, ensuring the safety of all aboard.
The flight, which was operating a crucial route from Delhi (DEL) to Shimla (SLV) and onwards to Dharamsala (DHM), was carrying 44 passengers, including notable figures such as Himachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri and Director General of Police Atul Verma.
Alliance Air Incident Details
The emergency situation arose when the aircraft failed to decelerate properly upon landing. The pilot executed emergency braking measures, leading to a tense moment as the plane approached the runway’s end. Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri described the incident, stating, “The plane didn’t touch down where it should have. It couldn’t stop and reached the very edge of the runway.” After a sharp turn, the aircraft came to a complete stop.
Following the incident, passengers remained on board for an additional 20-25 minutes as safety protocols were followed. The Alliance Air flight subsequently canceled its onward journey to Dharamsala as a precautionary measure, although an official statement from the airline has yet to be released.
Historical Context: Alliance Air Past Incidents
This incident is not the first for Alliance Air (9I), which has experienced several significant events in its operational history:
-
July 2016: An Alliance Air flight suffered a severe bird strike during takeoff from Rajkot Airport (HSR), leading to engine damage. The flight crew managed to abort the takeoff safely.
-
March 2018: A domestic flight experienced a hard landing at Shirdi Airport (SAG) in Maharashtra, damaging the aircraft’s landing gear but avoiding any injuries among the 50 passengers onboard.
-
September 2019: An emergency landing was executed after one of its ATR aircraft faced engine failure shortly after takeoff from Delhi (DEL). All 59 passengers and crew were safely evacuated.
- August 2022: An ATR 72-600 aircraft experienced a runway excursion at Calicut International Airport (CCJ) during heavy rainfall. Fortunately, all 66 passengers and crew escaped without injuries, prompting a review of wet runway operations.
Conclusion
The recent Alliance Air incident at Shimla’s Jubbarhatti Airport underscores the importance of effective pilot training and safety protocols in aviation. As investigations continue, it remains crucial for airlines to prioritize passenger safety above all else.
For more updates on aviation safety and related incidents, stay tuned to our site or share your thoughts in the comments below. Interested in learning more? Check out our articles on aviation safety standards and emergency landing protocols.
