An Air India flight from Cochin to Mumbai skidded off the runway on Sunday morning due to heavy rainfall. Flight AI 2744 landed at 9:40 am but veered off Runway 27. This caused the temporary closure of the runway for safety inspections.
Airport officials quickly suspended operations on Runway 27 to check for any damage. The runway remained closed until authorities confirmed it was safe for use again. Thankfully, no injuries were reported, and all passengers were safely evacuated from the aircraft.
The incident occurred during Mumbai’s ongoing intense monsoon showers. Heavy rain has reduced visibility and made runway surfaces slippery, increasing risks for landing flights. Airport authorities have urged all airlines, including Air India, to be extra cautious when operating in these weather conditions.
This is not the first time Air India has experienced difficulties during heavy rain. In August 2020, an Air India Express flight crash-landed at Kozhikode Airport amid rain, resulting in 21 fatalities. That accident remains one of India’s deadliest runway mishaps.
Recently, Ahmedabad Airport also faced a scare when a chartered plane carrying medical supplies crash-landed due to hydraulic failure. Although the aircraft was badly damaged, no casualties occurred.
The safety of passengers remains a top priority for Air India and airport authorities. Continuous monitoring and strict safety measures are in place to handle challenging monsoon weather. Airlines are advised to follow protocols and keep passengers informed during adverse conditions.
Air India’s swift response and coordination with airport officials helped prevent injuries in the latest runway incident. Officials continue to assess weather patterns and runway conditions to avoid similar events in the future.
Also Read : Air India Seeks Government Aid Amid Airspace Closure Losses
