MUMBAI, July 21, 2025: A major aviation mishap was narrowly averted this morning at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) in Mumbai, as an Air India flight from Kochi skidded off the runway during landing. All passengers and crew aboard the Air India flight AI-2744 were reported safe, with no casualties or injuries.
The incident occurred at approximately 9:27 AM IST when Air India flight AI-2744 (Airbus A320, registration VT-TYA), arriving from Kochi, veered off runway 09/27 upon landing due to heavy rainfall. The aircraft overshot the runway slightly, entering the unpaved area and then the taxiway. However, the pilots managed to regain control successfully and steer the aircraft safely to the terminal gate.
Passenger and Crew Safety Assured:
Air India confirmed the safety of everyone on board. In a statement, the airline said: “Flight AI-2744, operating from Kochi to Mumbai on July 21, 2025, skidded on the runway during landing due to heavy rain. The aircraft safely proceeded to the gate, and all passengers and crew members are safe.”
Aircraft and Runway Damage:
Preliminary reports indicate that three tires of the aircraft burst during the landing, and the engine cowling (engine cover) sustained damage, possibly from debris or contact with the unpaved ground.
The primary runway (09/27) at Mumbai Airport also sustained minor damage and is currently undergoing inspection and repair. To ensure continued airport operations, the secondary runway (14/32) has been activated, allowing flights to proceed with minimal disruption.
Airport Statement and Investigation:
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) issued a statement confirming the incident and highlighted that their Emergency Response Team swiftly initiated action. CSMIA reiterated that safety remains its top priority.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has promptly dispatched a team to the airport to investigate the incident thoroughly and ascertain its exact cause.
Heavy Rainfall Conditions:
The incident coincided with heavy rainfall in Mumbai and its surrounding areas. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued an ‘Orange Alert’ for Mumbai, forecasting moderate to heavy rainfall. On the day of the incident, Mumbai’s suburbs recorded 115 mm of rain, contributing to the challenging landing conditions.
The aircraft involved in the incident is a four-year-old A320neo, which previously operated within the Vistara fleet prior to its merger with Air India. Mumbai Airport has advised passengers to check their flight status and allocate extra time for travel to the airport due to the ongoing heavy rain.
