House damaged near Kochi Airport as descending aircraft sends tiles flying; owner injured

Athani: The roof of a tiled house was severely damaged after strong winds generated by a low-flying aircraft approaching Nedumbassery Airport in Kochi tore tiles from the structure, injuring the homeowner.

The incident occurred shortly after 8 a.m. on Sunday at the home of Simon, near Kerala Ayurveda Pharmacy in Athani. According to residents, the powerful gusts were caused by a Gulf-bound aircraft descending to land at the airport.

Shanthinagar is situated approximately 4.5 kilometres west of Nedumbassery Airport, close to the national highway. The incident took place moments after Simon and his wife, Shosamma, returned home from morning church services.

Witnesses said the house shook as the aircraft passed overhead at a low altitude with a loud roar. The resulting vibrations and strong winds dislodged around 100 roof tiles, sending them flying both inside and outside the property.

Simon was injured when a broken tile struck his shoulder as he attempted to run outside to safety.

Residents said similar damage had been reported in the area two years ago. They claim that houses in Shanthinagar, which lies beneath the flight path for aircraft taking off from and landing at the airport, are frequently affected by strong air turbulence. According to locals, windows and doors often rattle, while roof tiles and metal sheets can be dislodged when large aircraft, including jumbo jets, operate at the airport.

Following the incident, Simon reported the matter to both the panchayat and airport authorities. Panchayat President and other officials from Nedumbassery Airport later visited the property to assess the damage.