The black box of the Air India Express flight that skidded off a table top at Kerala’s Calicut airport has been recovered, NDTV reported Saturday.
According to the report, authorities are examining the black box to see what led to the tragedy that left 18 people, including both pilots dead.
Meanwhile, news agency ANI reported that 180 passengers and 6 crew members were on board the flight. “149 injured passengers admitted to hospitals in Malappuram and Kozhikode districts, 22 in critical condition. 22 discharged after first aid:,” said K Gopalakrishnan, Malappuram Collector on Saturday.
The pilots, one of them a decorated former fighter pilot, had aborted two landings due to tailwind and had circled the airport several times before the final landing. The area had been slammed by torrential rains since Thursday.
It has also established a passenger information centre and a toll-free number has been made available for the family or friends of those who may have been on board flight IX-1344. "The toll free number is 1800 2222 71. For those calling from outside, please call international country code," it added.
Air India Express Dubai- Kozhikode IX-1344 flight, carrying 190 people on board from Dubai under the Vande Bharat Mission, skidded off the runway at Karipur Airport in Kozhikode on Friday evening.
Here is a list of helpline numbers to contact:
1. 056 546 3903 - Consulate General of India, Dubai
2. 0543090572 - Consulate General of India, Dubai
3. 0543090575 - Consulate General of India, Dubai.
Relatives of passengers on board can contact the following numbers;
1. Airport Control Room - 0483 2719493
2. Malappuram Collectorate - 0483 2736320
3. Kozhikode Collectorate - 0495 2376901
Meanwhile, help centres are being set up at Sharjah & Dubai, United Arab Emirates, informed Air India Express
