Air India Flight Skids Off Runway Amid Heavy Rain in Mumbai; No Injuries Reported
Mumbai, 21st July 2025 – An Air India A320 aircraft veered off the main runway while landing at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) on Monday morning amid intense rainfall, raising fresh concerns about monsoon-season runway safety.
The incident occurred at 9:27 AM when Flight AI-2744, arriving from Kochi, touched down on Runway 27. Due to wet runway conditions, the aircraft failed to maintain its course during deceleration, skidding approximately 16 to 17 metres off the paved surface. It briefly ran into an unpaved area before returning to a taxiway and eventually coming to a halt at a parking bay.
Sources confirmed that three of the aircraft’s tyres burst during the runway excursion, and minor damage was reported to the engine cowling, possibly from contact with debris or soft terrain. Despite the incident, all 139 passengers and crew disembarked safely, and there were no reported injuries.
“Flight AI-2744 experienced heavy rain during landing, resulting in a runway excursion after touchdown,” Air India stated. “The aircraft taxied safely to the gate, and all passengers and crew have since disembarked. The aircraft has been grounded for checks. The safety of our passengers and crew remains our top priority.”
CSMIA officials swiftly activated emergency protocols. “An incoming aircraft from Kochi experienced a runway excursion. Our emergency teams were immediately deployed. All passengers and crew are safe. Minor damages have been reported to Runway 09/27,” the airport said in a statement. To maintain flight operations, the secondary runway (14/32) was promptly activated.
Had the aircraft gotten stuck in the soft ground, the main runway might have remained shut for hours. Fortunately, the aircraft was able to move under its own power, avoiding a prolonged closure.
Officials from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) have arrived at the site to investigate the incident. Preliminary inspections are underway to determine the cause and assess whether standard safety protocols were followed during the landing in adverse weather.
Recurring Pattern During Monsoons
This is not the first such incident at Mumbai airport during the monsoon season. In September 2023, a Learjet 45 operated by VSR Ventures skidded off the runway amid heavy rain and poor visibility. The aircraft remained stranded for hours, severely affecting airport operations.
Monday’s incident once again underscores the challenges posed by Mumbai’s heavy monsoon rains and highlights the need for continued emphasis on weather-related landing protocols and runway maintenance.
