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An Air India flight arriving from Kochi veered off the runway while landing at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport early Monday morning, as the city was lashed by heavy overnight rain. The incident involved Flight AI 2744, an Airbus A320 (registration VT-TYA), which experienced what authorities termed a "runway excursion" shortly after it touched down on the airport’s primary runway.

Despite the disaster, the aircraft was able to safely taxi to its allotted parking area, and all passengers and crew members onboard departed safely without any injuries, according to an Air India representative. "Flight AI 2744, operating from Kochi to Mumbai on 21 July, suffered severe rain during landing, resulting in a runway excursion after touchdown. The aircraft taxied safely to the gate, and all passengers and crew members have since disembarked. The aircraft has been grounded for checks," the spokesperson stated.

 

Flight AI2744, operating from Kochi to Mumbai on 21 July 2025, experienced heavy rain during landing, resulting in a runway excursion after touchdown. The aircraft taxied safely to the gate, and all passengers and crew members have since disembarked. The aircraft has been…

— ANI (@ANI) July 21, 2025

The airline has grounded the Airbus A320 pending a thorough inspection to assess any potential technical issues.

 

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Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) confirmed that the primary runway, 09/27, sustained minor damage due to the incident. To maintain regular airport operations, the secondary runway, 14/32, was activated. "All passengers and crew are safe. There was minor damage reported to the airport's primary runway, 09/27. In order to ensure continuity of operations, Secondary Runway 14/32 has been activated," the airport spokesperson said.

The runway excursion occurred as Mumbai had severe overnight rainfall following a stretch of generally dry weather. The sudden downpour led to waterlogging in some low-lying regions of the city and caused traffic gridlock across major routes on Monday morning, civic officials reported.

While flight operations at the airport mainly operated without severe disruptions, occasional delays were recorded. Authorities have advised travellers to stay updated on flight statuses, with more rainfall predicted in the coming days.

 

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