CHENNAI: The Chennai airport on Thursday witnessed two air emergencies,including that of a Delhi-bound SpiceJet aircraft with 199 passengers onboard.

The SpiceJet plane had a right-rear tyre burst as also problems in itshydraulic systems as it took off from the city airport. By the time the ATCnoticed the blowout and the hydraulic fluid spill on the runway, theaircraft was nearing Vijayawada.

Since the Vijayawada airport lacks infrastructure for emergency landing,the plane was brought back to Chennai.

Fortunately the pilot made a safe landing, though the accompanyingright-rear tyre too burst, which damaged the runway and disrupted flightsfor hours. But a SpiceJet spokesperson said the tyre burst happened onlyduring take-off.

For passengers, the landing was particularly scary as the plane wobbledafter the blowout and skidded away from the runway. Fortunately thefriction between the rim and the runway did not lead to fire.

Airport director G Chandramouli said: “Immediately after it landed, we tookall precautions to prevent any mishap.”

Meanwhile, an Ethiopian cargo flight sent in an SoS for emergency landing.It was low on fuel since landing was delayed by the SpiceJet plonked on themain runway. The ATC directed it to land on the secondary runway.