On 21 July 2025, Air India Flight AI 2744, an Airbus A320, faced an unexpected incident shortly after landing at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) in Mumbai. The aircraft, coming from Kochi in Kerala, veered off the main runway due to heavy rainfall, triggering immediate emergency measures and raising concerns over the impact of unpredictable weather on aviation safety.
According to reports, the aircraft experienced significant difficulties during its descent, caused by adverse weather conditions, including heavy rainfall that reduced visibility and the runway’s friction. Despite the turbulence, the aircraft made a safe touchdown, only to skid slightly off the primary runway, identified as 09/27. Sources confirmed that three of the aircraft’s tyres burst upon impact, and there were concerns that the engine may have suffered damage due to the abrupt movement. However, in an impressive display of coordination and swift action, the aircraft managed to taxi safely to the terminal gate. Remarkably, all passengers and crew members disembarked without any injuries, underscoring the effectiveness of the emergency protocols in place. Air India promptly issued a statement, providing details of the incident and assuring the public that the safety of all aboard was never compromised.
“The aircraft taxied safely to the gate, and all passengers and crew members have since disembarked. The aircraft has been grounded for inspection and maintenance checks. The safety of passengers and crew remains our top priority,” said an official Air India spokesperson. Emergency response teams at CSMIA were immediately mobilised to handle the situation. According to a CSMIA spokesperson, the airport’s emergency response teams acted quickly, ensuring that the situation was controlled with minimal disruption to operations. “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,” the spokesperson said.
The incident, while handled swiftly, caused minor damage to the primary runway. As a precaution, operations were shifted to the secondary runway 14/32 to ensure that flight schedules continued with minimal disruption. The airport’s runway 09/27 is currently undergoing inspection and repair work to assess the extent of the damage and restore it to complete serviceability. This event highlights the challenges posed by severe weather conditions on air travel, especially during the monsoon season, which can affect the safety and performance of airport operations. While the aircraft’s quick and safe return to the terminal indicates the efficacy of the airport’s emergency response systems, it also serves as a reminder of the importance of weather resilience in airport infrastructure.
Similar News: Mumbai Heavy Rains Cause Flight Delays Airlines Issue Advisories
In the wake of the incident, discussions have led to improvements in runway surfaces and the introduction of more sophisticated weather prediction systems to help airports better prepare for such conditions. The fact that the secondary runway was swiftly activated shows a well-prepared contingency plan, which helped avoid significant delays. This runway excursion incident does not appear to have caused long-term disruption at the airport, but it has drawn attention to the vulnerability of aviation systems to unexpected weather conditions, particularly during the monsoon months. While the safety of passengers and crew remained the top priority, the airport’s ability to adapt to the situation with minimal impact on overall operations reflects well on the resilience of both the airport and the airline. As investigations continue into the precise causes of the runway excursion, officials will likely review current weather-related protocols and determine whether further enhancements can be made to prevent similar occurrences in the future. For now, air traffic at Mumbai’s bustling airport is back on track, and the authorities continue to prioritise safety as they move forward.
Also Read: Jaipur Rain Leaves Battered Roads And Traffic In Disarray
