Air India Plane Skids Off Mumbai Runway, All Passengers Safe

Photo : MSN

A serious incident occurred on the morning of July 21, 2025, when Air India flight AI2744 from Kochi to Mumbai skidded off the runway at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA). The incident happened around 9:27 AM during landing, amid heavy rainfall in the city.

What Happened?

The aircraft, which was landing on Runway 27, touched down close to the correct spot. But shortly after touching the ground, it moved about 16 to 17 metres off the main runway. It entered an unpaved area and then moved onto a nearby taxiway before finally stopping.

Even after the runway excursion, the plane was able to taxi normally and reach its parking stand without any further trouble. All passengers and crew members on board were safe and got off the aircraft without injuries.

Reason Behind the Incident

According to Air India, the runway excursion was caused by very heavy rain at the time of landing. The wet conditions made it harder for the plane to stop properly on the runway. A spokesperson for Air India said, “Flight AI2744, operating from Kochi to Mumbai on July 21, 2025, experienced heavy rain during landing, resulting in a runway excursion after touchdown.”

While no one was hurt, the plane did suffer some damage. As reported by the Times of India, three tyres of the plane burst during the event. Other sources, including Firstpost, also suggested that the engine might have taken in some debris, which could have caused damage.

Damage to the Plane

Pictures taken at the airport after the incident showed some visible damage to the aircraft. However, experts said that the plane was not disabled and was able to move to the parking area under its own power.

A team from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) arrived to examine the aircraft and investigate what caused the incident. The airline said the plane has been grounded and will not be used until full safety checks are completed.

Airline’s Response

Air India was quick to respond to the situation. The airline confirmed that all passengers and staff were safe. "The aircraft taxied safely and all passengers, as well as crew members, have disembarked," said the spokesperson. They also added that the safety of passengers and crew is the top priority for the airline.

What is a Runway Excursion?

A runway excursion happens when an aircraft moves off the side or end of the runway during takeoff or landing. This can happen due to many reasons like bad weather, wet runways, technical faults, or mistakes during landing.

In this case, the heavy rain made the runway slippery, and it seems the aircraft could not stay completely within the marked area during landing.

What Happens Next?

The DGCA is now doing a full inspection to find out the exact cause of the incident. Engineers will check the damage to the aircraft, including the tyres and engines. Until then, the aircraft will not be allowed to fly.

This incident raises questions about flying during extreme weather conditions. Even though the outcome was safe, it could have been worse. Thankfully, no one was hurt, and the airline followed the right steps to manage the situation.

Air India, airport staff, and emergency teams acted quickly and ensured passenger safety. However, this event shows why extra care must be taken during landings in poor weather conditions.

The full report from the DGCA will give more details on what went wrong and what needs to be improved. For now, passengers can feel relieved that everyone walked away safely from what could have been a dangerous accident.