According to reports, Air India flight AI-2744 (Kochi-Mumbai) skidded off the main runway 27 at Mumbai International Airport, veering into an unpaved area before coming to a halt on a taxiway. The A320 aircraft sustained minor damage, but it managed to reach the terminal gate, and passengers were safely disembarked.
Reports indicate that three of the aircraft’s tyres burst during the incident. Airport authorities immediately closed the main runway 09/27 and activated the secondary runway 14/32 to minimise disruption to flight operations. However, flight operations were slightly affected, and inspection and repair work on runway 09/27 is underway.
An Air India spokesperson stated that all passengers and crew members safely evacuated the aircraft. The aircraft is undergoing inspection. Passenger safety is our top priority.
All Passengers Safe, Investigation Underway
A statement released by Mumbai Airport said, “An aircraft arriving from Kochi skidded off the runway at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport today (July 21) at 09:27 am. Following the incident, CSMIA’s emergency response team immediately took control of the situation. All passengers are safe. Minor runway damage is being repaired.” A team from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is on-site to investigate the incident. Reduced visibility due to rain and a slippery runway are considered potential causes of the accident. However, the exact cause will only be revealed after a detailed investigation.
