Air India Flight Veers Off Runway at Mumbai's CSMIA Amid Heavy Rain

Strategic Insights -

In a chaotic scene played out at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) on a stormy Monday morning, an Air India flight from Kochi experienced a runway excursion while landing. Although all passengers and crew members were safe, the incident led to the grounding of the aircraft and disrupted flight operations. The incident occurred on runway 27, which was out of commission for two and a half hours due to extensive damage, including damaged signages, edge lights, and engine cowling.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Air India flight (AI2744) from Kochi to Mumbai veered off the main runway (09/27) during heavy rain, injuring no one but damaging the runway and aircraft.
  • The incident occurred on July 21, 2025, at 09:27 hours, with the aircraft experiencing a 16-17m excursion off the runway.
  • The pilot in command, a veteran from Indian Airlines, is nearing retirement and had 30 years of experience flying the A320.
  • The DGCA officials are investigating the cause of the incident, with an official stating that it is unusual for an aircraft to veer off the runway immediately after touchdown.
  • The runway was later reported to be contaminated due to torrential rains, which may have contributed to the incident.
  • A former Dreamliner pilot, Capt. Sharath Panicker, explained that landing in heavy rain can lead to reduced visibility, challenging manual landings, and the risk of aquaplaning and reduced braking effectiveness.
  • The ATC alerted the DGCA about the incident, who cleared the runway for operations only after performing a friction test.

Statistics:

  • 16-17m: The distance the Air India aircraft veered off the runway after landing near the touchdown zone.
  • 2 1/2 hours: The time the runway (27) was out of commission due to extensive damage.
  • 09:27 hours: The time the incident occurred on July 21, 2025.
  • 30 years: The pilot in command's experience flying the A320.
  • 1: The reported number of runway signages and edge lights damaged due to the incident.

Sources:

  • Hindustan Times: "Air India flight veers off runway at Mumbai's CSMIA amidst heavy rain"
  • CSMIA Press Statement: "An incoming aircraft from Kochi experienced a runway excursion at Mumbai at 09:27 hours on 21 July 2025..."
  • Air India Spokesperson Statement: "Flight AI2744, operating from Kochi to Mumbai on 21 July 2025, experienced heavy rain during landing, resulting in a runway excursion after touchdown."