Mumbai’s primary runway was temporarily shut on Monday morning after an Air India flight arriving from Kochi skidded off the wet runway during landing amid intense rainfall. The aircraft, an A320, veered off the main landing strip, damaging infrastructure and prompting emergency response measures, though no injuries were reported.
The incident occurred at approximately 9:27 am when the aircraft touched down on runway 27 at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. The aircraft veered nearly 16 metres off the runway, suffering three tyre bursts, before it crossed into the unpaved shoulder and rolled onto a taxiway. Despite the abrupt deviation, the pilots successfully taxied the aircraft to the designated bay, and all passengers and crew disembarked safely. According to senior airport officials, the aircraft sustained significant physical damage. The engine cowling was partially deformed, and the tail showed signs of foreign object impact. A few edge lights along the runway and adjacent signage were also reported damaged. The incident led to an immediate suspension of operations on the primary runway, causing a ripple effect on airport schedules.
In the immediate aftermath, incoming flights were rerouted to Mumbai’s secondary runway. A total of eight flights were diverted to alternate airports, while three others were instructed to abort landing and initiate a go-around. Airport teams swiftly activated contingency protocols to manage operations and ensure continuity of services. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched an investigation into the incident, with a technical team inspecting the aircraft and reviewing weather data, operational decisions, and possible system failures. While the cause is yet to be officially confirmed, early assessments point to compromised runway friction due to heavy rainfall.
The airport’s emergency response system was quickly mobilised, ensuring there were no disruptions in safety services. A Mumbai International Airport spokesperson confirmed that runway 09/27 had sustained minor damage but was fully restored and reopened for flight operations by 12:03 pm. Air India released a statement confirming the incident and the safety of all onboard. The airline has grounded the aircraft for a detailed inspection and maintenance. “Safety remains our highest priority,” the statement added. This incident has once again highlighted the risks associated with monsoon landings in Mumbai, where poor visibility and wet runway surfaces are persistent hazards. Aviation safety experts have called for enhanced runway friction testing, improved drainage systems, and stricter operational protocols during monsoon months to mitigate such risks.
Given that this is not the first such incident at the Mumbai airport during heavy rains, aviation regulators may be prompted to re-evaluate monsoon operation standards and response mechanisms. The incident underscores the urgency for Indian aviation to align operational infrastructure with climate-resilient safety measures.
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