New Delhi: On July 21 2025, an Air India flight (AI2744) operating the Kochi-Mumbai route encountered a serious incident upon landing at Mumbai airport. The aircraft, after touching down on a rain-soaked runway, skidded and veered off the tarmac. Preliminary reports indicate that three tyres burst during the landing, and there may be damage to the aircraft’s engine.
Despite the severity of the incident, all passengers and crew members were successfully evacuated and reported to be safe, a testament to efficient emergency procedures.
Air India swiftly released a statement acknowledging the incident, attributing it to heavy rain during landing. The statement emphasised the airline’s commitment to passenger and crew safety. The incident has, however, reignited broader concerns about aviation safety, particularly in light of a previous aircraft accident in Ahmedabad just weeks prior.
Aviation experts, including Captain Sanjay Karve, have offered insight into potential contributing factors. Captain Karve highlighted the challenges posed by heavy rainfall and the limited visibility for air traffic controllers assessing runway conditions from a high vantage point.
He also noted the pilot’s ultimate responsibility for the safety of the aircraft during landing and their authority to abort a landing if conditions warrant. The high tide at Mumbai at the time of landing may have exacerbated the waterlogged conditions on the runway, further complicating the landing.
