Usually in the aviation world numerous unique details often go unnoticed by travelers. A particularly interesting fact involves Air India‘s Airbus A320 aircraft, some of which featured an unusual addition to their landing gear. This modification, seen on Air India Airbus A320, included extra wheels—a feature not immediately apparent to the casual observer.

The Reason Behind Air India Airbus A320 extra wheels

The Airbus A320, while not the heaviest aircraft, still exerts significant pressure on runways during landing, taxiing, and takeoff. This pressure can be problematic for weaker runway pavements. In India, some airport pavements had lower classification numbers, indicating a reduced capacity to handle heavy loads. To address this, certain Air India A320s were equipped with additional wheels to distribute the aircraft’s weight more evenly across the runway surface. This measure helped mitigate the stress on the pavement, ensuring safer operations.

Interestingly, similar pavement strength issues led to the closure of Sweden’s Säve (Gothenburg City) Airport to jetliners.

Transition to Stronger Infrastructure

The necessity for extra wheels on Air India’s A320s diminished over time as airport infrastructure in India improved. Modernization efforts resulted in stronger pavements capable of supporting heavier aircraft without the need for additional wheels. Consequently, newer A320 and A320neo aircraft in Air India’s fleet do not feature this unique landing gear modification. Air India phased out its last double-bogied A320s in June 2019, as reported by Travel Update.

Passenger Experience and Aircraft Fleet Composition

For most passengers, the presence of extra wheels likely went unnoticed, as it did not significantly alter the in-flight experience. However, aviation enthusiasts might have found this feature intriguing, despite the rarity of encountering such aircraft.

Currently, Air India’s narrowbody fleet is comprised exclusively of single-bogied aircraft from the Airbus A320 family.

The addition of extra wheels to some of Air India’s Airbus A320s highlights the adaptive measures taken by airlines to ensure safety and operational efficiency. As airport infrastructure continues to advance, such modifications become less necessary, allowing for a more streamlined fleet. For aviation enthusiasts and frequent travelers alike, these unique features serve as a reminder of the ever-evolving landscape of the aviation industry.

Did you ever fly on an Air India Airbus A320 with extra wheels? Let us know in the comments below.