July 21,2025 – In a weather-related incident early Sunday morning, Air India Flight AI 2744 skidded off the runway upon landing at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. The aircraft, arriving from Madurai, veered off the designated taxiway at approximately 5:15 AM amid continuous monsoon rains in the city.
There were 176 passengers and crew members on board at the time of the incident. According to official reports, all individuals were safely evacuated, and no injuries have been reported.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed that the aircraft exited the paved surface and came to a halt on adjacent soft ground. Emergency teams at the airport responded swiftly, following standard operating procedures to ensure the safety of those onboard.
Heavy rainfall and reduced visibility are suspected to have contributed to the runway excursion. “The aircraft landed safely but could not maintain its path on the wet surface,” a DGCA official stated. “We have initiated a thorough investigation to assess the cause and contributing factors.”
Air India Express, which operates Flight AI 2744, also released a statement noting that there was no damage to the aircraft and that passenger safety remained the airline’s top priority.
The incident temporarily disrupted early morning flight operations, although normal services resumed shortly thereafter. Airport authorities have urged travelers to monitor flight updates as rain-related delays may persist throughout the day.
An investigation has been initiated by the DGCA and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), with a technical team reviewing flight data and cockpit voice recordings.
Mumbai’s ongoing monsoon conditions have led to widespread waterlogging and travel disruptions across the city. Aviation analysts have reiterated the importance of enhanced safety protocols during adverse weather, especially in high-traffic airports like Mumbai.
Passengers expressed relief at the professionalism of the crew and the quick response from ground staff. “There was a sudden jolt, and we realized the plane had veered off slightly, but the crew remained calm and helped everyone disembark safely,” said one passenger.
The airline is expected to submit a detailed report following the completion of technical assessments.
