Who Was Involved?
The aircraft involved in the incident was an Air India Airbus A320, operating as Flight AI 2744. It was carrying passengers from Kochi (Cochin International Airport) to Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. The aircraft was registered as VT-TYA, a narrow-body jet widely used in Indian domestic routes.
Crew and passengers:
- Around 180 passengers were onboard.
- The flight was being operated by a seasoned captain and a first officer, both of whom followed standard approach procedures.
- No injuries were reported.
What Happened?
At 9:27 AM IST on July 21, 2025, Flight AI 2744 landed on Runway 27 at Mumbai airport during heavy monsoon downpour. Moments after touchdown, the aircraft veered off the runway due to aquaplaning, a phenomenon where water buildup causes tires to lose traction.
The plane skidded off approximately 16–17 meters into an unpaved shoulder area, burst three tires, and damaged parts of the aircraft, including:
- Engine cowling
- Tail cone
- Undercarriage components
- Runway lights and signage
Despite the damage, the pilots managed to regain directional control and taxied the aircraft safely to the parking bay.
When Did It Happen?
The incident occurred:
- Date: Monday, July 21, 2025
- Time: Around 9:27 AM IST
- Weather: Heavy monsoon rainfall, low visibility, and wet runway conditions contributed significantly to the incident.
Where Did It Happen?
The runway excursion happened at Mumbai International Airport (BOM), specifically on its main Runway 27, which is the airport’s busiest and most frequently used landing strip.
Following the incident:
- Runway 27 was temporarily shut down.
- Airport authorities switched operations to the secondary Runway 14/32 to manage air traffic.
- Full runway operations resumed by 12:03 PM IST after temporary repairs and debris removal.
Why Did It Happen?
The primary cause of the incident was aquaplaning during landing. Aquaplaning is a condition where tires lose contact with the runway due to a layer of water, especially during high-speed landings on wet surfaces.
Contributing factors:
- Intense rain reduced friction between tires and the surface.
- Water accumulation on Runway 27 may have crossed safe drainage limits.
- Wind shear or tailwind during landing has not been ruled out by the DGCA investigation.
According to aviation experts, monsoon-related challenges at Mumbai airport are frequent, but this event marks one of the most serious runway excursions in recent times.
How Was It Handled?
The incident response was swift and professional.
Aircraft handling
- The flight crew executed emergency protocols.
- The aircraft was taxied to the gate despite burst tires, avoiding a full stop on the runway and reducing disruption.
Airport Response
- Emergency teams were deployed immediately for inspection.
- Runway 27 was shut down for 2.5 hours.
- Secondary runway usage ensured minimal flight cancellations or delays.
Investigation
- Air India grounded the aircraft pending internal and DGCA inspections.
- DGCA initiated a detailed probe, including flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder retrieval.
- Runway condition reports, ATC communication, and weather radar logs are under review.
Impact on Passengers and Airport Operations
- All passengers were safe, though many reported anxiety during landing.
- No need for emergency evacuation was reported.
- Multiple inbound flights were temporarily diverted to Pune and Ahmedabad during the closure window.
Past Incidents and Safety Insights
This isn’t the first time Mumbai airport has faced monsoon-related disruptions. Similar excursions happened:
- In September 2023, a private charter faced runway excursion due to tailwind.
- Runway drainage issues have been raised in multiple AAI safety audits.
However, the Air India crew’s calm handling ensured this incident did not escalate into a disaster.
What Happens Next?
The DGCA’s final report will determine:
- If the runway met drainage standards
- If pilot error, weather forecasting, or ATC miscommunication played a role
- Whether Air India’s internal SOPs need revision
In the meantime:
- Runway maintenance is under review.
- AI 2744’s aircraft will undergo extensive checks before returning to service.
- Passenger testimonials and crew logs are being documented.
Conclusion
The Air India A320 runway incident is a stark reminder of how monsoon weather continues to challenge aviation safety in India. Fortunately, no lives were lost, and the incident was contained due to swift pilot response and effective airport protocol.
Authorities and airlines must now work together to strengthen safety infrastructure, particularly at rain-prone airports like Mumbai, to prevent future mishaps.
