Mumbai-bound Air India flight from Kochi veers off runway; passengers crew safe

PTC News Desk: A Mumbai-bound Air India flight from Kochi on Monday veered off the runway shortly after touchdown due to heavy rains in the city. 

Flight AI 2744, an Airbus A320 (VT-TYA), was arriving from Kochi when it experienced what officials described as a "runway excursion" shortly after touchdown.

According to the Air India spokesperson, all the passengers and crew are safe and the aircraft managed to taxi safely to the designated bay despite the incident. The aircraft has been further grounded for thorough checks after its three tyres were found bursted. 

"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 grounded for checks," the spokesperson said.

Meanwhile, a Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) spokesperson said that there was minor damage reported to the airport's primary runway, 09/27, where the flight landed.

"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 spokesperson said.

The incident unfolded as Mumbai is grappling with heavy rains since last night after days of relatively clear skies. Owing to more rain forecasts in the upcoming days, the airlines have advised the travellers to keep a track of all the updates.