Air India faced two serious flight incidents on July 21, 2025, triggering concern over operational safety, especially amid ongoing monsoon disruptions.
1. Delhi-Kolkata Flight Aborts Take-Off
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Flight AI 2403, operating from Delhi to Kolkata with 160 passengers, aborted take-off at Indira Gandhi International Airport after a technical issue was detected during the take-off roll.
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The cockpit crew halted the aircraft immediately, adhering to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and no injuries were reported.
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All passengers were safely disembarked, and the flight has been rescheduled for later in the evening.
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An Air India spokesperson confirmed the incident, stating that safety checks are ongoing and that ground support is assisting affected passengers.
2. Kochi-Mumbai Flight Veers Off Runway
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Earlier that morning, Flight AI 2744, an Airbus A320 (VT-TYA) from Kochi to Mumbai, experienced a runway excursion while landing at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.
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The incident occurred amid heavy rainfall, which had battered Mumbai overnight and likely caused low visibility and slippery conditions.
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Visuals from the scene showed partial damage to one of the aircraft’s engines, though no injuries were reported.
What We Know So Far:
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Both incidents occurred within hours of each other, raising questions about weather preparedness, technical readiness, and crew response protocols.
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The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is expected to investigate both events.
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Air India has maintained that safety protocols were followed diligently in both cases, with timely action from pilots and ground staff.
Context and Implications:
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These back-to-back incidents come at a time when aviation authorities have been on high alert due to seasonal weather volatility, especially in metro cities like Delhi and Mumbai.
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With increased monsoon traffic, airlines are under pressure to balance punctuality with caution.
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The fact that no casualties or injuries were reported in either case speaks to the effectiveness of crew training and procedural adherence—but also underscores the critical need for preemptive technical checks and real-time weather monitoring.
What’s Next:
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The DGCA may initiate a safety audit of Air India’s operations in light of these incidents.
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Air India passengers on both flights have been offered support, but delays and cascading disruptions to flight schedules are likely through the day.
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Travelers in and out of Delhi and Mumbai are advised to check flight statuses regularly and expect weather-related delays.
These twin episodes, though safely managed, serve as a stark reminder of the fine margins in air travel safety, especially during the monsoon season.
