Air India Flight Skids Off Mumbai Runway Amid Heavy Rain, Passengers Safe

New Delhi (India) July 21: In the middle of intense rain, the Air India flight (AI-2744) from Kochi to Mumbai had a "runway excursion" when it touched down at Mumbai Airport. The incident happened at approximately 9.30 a.m.

Minor damage to aircraft and runway

After skidding off the main Runway 27, the A320 aircraft went into an unpaved area, then onto a taxiway and finally came to a stop.

Additionally, the aircraft's engine cowling was damaged. It is most likely a result of contact with soft ground or debris during the skid.

After landing close to the touchdown zone, the plane deviated 16 to 17 meters off the runway. But it made a safe recovery and taxied to the parking stand as usual.

Landing affected by intense rain

The flight was from Kochi, Kerala, to Mumbai. Preliminary investigations indicate that bad weather caused the plane to deviate off the runway soon after touchdown.

All passengers and crew safe

According to reports, three tires exploded during the landing. However, all passengers and crew departed without any problems once the aircraft managed to taxi safely to the terminal gate.

Air India said, "Flight AI2744, operating from Kochi to Mumbai on 21 July 2025, experienced heavy rain during landing, resulting in a runway excursion after touchdown. The aircraft taxied safely to the gate, and all passengers and crew members have since disembarked. The aircraft has been grounded for checks. The safety of passengers and crew remains our top priority" in a statement regarding the incident.

According to a statement from the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), emergency reaction workers were sent right away to control the "runway excursion".

The airport's primary runway, runway 09/27 is presently being inspected and repaired after suffering minor damage. The backup runway has been temporarily used for airport operations in order to reduce disruption to airline schedules.

An official of the CSMIA said, “An incoming aircraft from Kochi experienced a runway excursion at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), Mumbai at 09.27 hours on 21 July 2025. CSMIA's emergency response teams were immediately activated to manage the runway excursion. All passengers and crew are safe. There are minor damages reported to the airport's primary runway - 09/27. In order to ensure continuity of operations, the Secondary Runway 14/32 has been activated. At CSMIA, safety always remains our highest priority.” 

DGCA begins investigation

According to sources, an investigation team from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is currently at the airport.

Aadrika Tayal