Mumbai, July 21 – An Air India flight arriving from Kochi skidded off the main runway at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport on Monday morning due to slippery conditions caused by intense rainfall. The incident occurred at approximately 9:27 AM and resulted in minor damage to the aircraft, though all passengers and crew were safely deboarded without injury.
Incident Details
The aircraft, operating as Flight AI2744, veered off runway 09/27 by nearly 16 to 17 meters during landing, coming to a halt on the grassy patch beside the runway. Visual inspection revealed that the plane’s right engine nacelle suffered damage upon contact with the ground, and three of its tires were reported burst during the incident.
Despite the mishap, the aircraft was safely towed to the parking bay where passengers were deplaned. In addition to the engine damage, the runway’s infrastructure sustained damage including the destruction of three signage boards and four lighting fixtures.
Air India and DGCA Response
Air India promptly confirmed that no injuries were reported among passengers or crew. The airline has initiated a detailed investigation into the incident. As a precautionary measure, both pilots involved in the operation of the flight have been temporarily relieved from duty pending further inquiry.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) dispatched an inspection team to the Mumbai airport to conduct a thorough probe into the causes and safety implications of the runway excursion. Meanwhile, operations have been shifted to the secondary runway (14/32) to ensure uninterrupted flight services.
Historical Precedent at Mumbai Airport
This is not the first time Mumbai has experienced such incidents during the monsoon season. On September 14, 2023, a Learjet 45 (VT-DBL) business jet arriving from Visakhapatnam skidded off the same runway (27) under similar weather conditions. That aircraft split into two upon impact, leaving eight occupants, including two pilots, injured.
The recurrence of such incidents during monsoon highlights the operational challenges faced by Mumbai airport due to poor visibility and water-logged runways during heavy rain.
Current Operational Status
While the primary runway remains temporarily closed for safety checks and maintenance, flight movements have resumed on the alternative runway. Airport authorities are monitoring the situation closely to ensure passenger safety and minimize delays.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
