The Air India Express Flight IX 1344, a Boeing 737-800, operating under the Vande Bharat Mission to repatriate Indian citizens stranded abroad due to the COVID-19 pandemic, tragically crashed on August 7, 2020, at Kozhikode International Airport in Kerala, India. The flight, originating from Dubai, overshot the runway during landing amid heavy rainfall, resulting in the aircraft skidding off the tabletop runway and breaking into two. This devastating incident claimed the lives of 19 passengers and both pilots, while 165 passengers and four cabin crew members survived with injuries.

Following the crash, investigations were launched by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) to determine the cause of the accident. Preliminary findings suggested that a tailwind of around 9 knots (17 km/h) was present at the time of landing. The AAIB team probed the incident, assisted by officials from the Airports Authority of India, air traffic control, ground staff, CISF, the fire team, and the rescue team. They examined evidence of waterlogging on the runway and assessed whether ATC was aware of the conditions, as well as whether the pilots adhered to established regulations.

The final investigation report by the AAIB attributed the probable cause of the accident to the pilot's non-adherence to standard operating procedures. Specifically, the report cited the pilot's continuation of an unstabilized approach, landing beyond the touchdown zone, and failure to execute a mandatory "Go Around" despite the Pilot Monitoring's call to do so. The report also noted the Pilot Monitoring's failure to take over controls and execute a "Go Around."

Additionally, the AAIB acknowledged that systemic failures may have contributed to the crash. Concerns were raised about potential cover-ups and whether the truth would surface, with suggestions of possible pilot fatigue and deviation from standard procedures by both the airline and the pilot. It was pointed out that the pilots may not have had adequate rest, potentially exceeding International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) limits for duty time due to the high-stress COVID-19 repatriation flight.

The accident also brought renewed scrutiny to tabletop runways in India, which pose unique challenges due to their location on hilltops, creating an optical illusion for pilots during landing.

In the wake of the tragedy, aviation authorities emphasized the need for improved pilot training for challenging runways and enhanced safety features at airports with difficult terrains. The incident also prompted discussions on aviation safety and stricter regulations to prevent similar occurrences in the future.