Air India Flight Veers Off Runway During Touchdown In Mumbai, Engine Damaged

An unexpected accident on 21 July, 2025, witnessed an Air India aircraft go off the runway while landing at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai. The AI-676 Indore to Mumbai flight had a runway excursion on touchdown, during which one of its engines got badly damaged. Fortunately, everyone on board the flight, consisting of 133 passengers and crew members, was safely evacuated, with no casualties reported yet.

What Happened During Landing?

DGCA reports indicate the Airbus A320 aircraft skidded off the primary runway while landing on a rainy day. Initial reports indicate the aircraft skidded off to the left during the final phase of the landing, hitting the edge of the runway and breaking the structure of the left engine.

Airport officials quickly activated emergency procedures, mobilizing fire and rescue vehicles to the scene within minutes. The passengers were safely evacuated through emergency slides and taken to the terminal unharmed. The quick response of the flight crew has been appreciated for preventing any passengers from getting harmed during the stressful couple of minutes following the deviation from the runway.

Air India’s Statement

Air India had released a statement shortly after the accident, that the passengers were all evacuated unharmed and that the aircraft had been damaged.

> “Indore-Mumbai Flight AI-676 had a runway excursion while landing at Mumbai Airport. Everyone on board is safe. The aircraft has been taxied to a parking bay and will be technically assessed. We are fully cooperating with the DGCA and airport authorities,” said the airline.

The airline also undertook to compensate and assist the stranded passengers, who were mostly delayed and had to rebook connecting flights.

Passenger Accounts and Reaction

The passengers have described the landing moment as “abrupt” and “shaky.” Some of those on board witnessed the plane swinging to the side before jarringly stopping on the side of the runway. Panic had begun in the cabin but was assuaged by reassuring and understandable words of the cabin crew.

> We experienced a jerky pull as we landed, and subsequently, the plane seemed to go off course. Panic broke out among everyone, but the crew quickly brought us under control and we were evacuated safely. We are fortunate that we are all safe,” one of the passengers who was seated at landing in the window seat said.

Passenger online comments were a combination of relief and urged additional checks and improved infrastructure to deal with flights in the messy monsoon weather.

Weather, a Contributing Factor?

It has been raining in Mumbai continuously since morning, and certain areas of the runway were waterlogged some time back in the daytime. Aviation professionals opine that wet runways, combined with reduced visibility and poor braking, can make runway excursions more likely.

DGCA officials have said that a full probe is underway to determine if weather conditions, pilot human error, or a technical problem led to the accident. The flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder have been taken into custody for analysis.

Impact on Airport Operations

The crash compelled the temporary closure of Mumbai Airport’s primary runway (Runway 09/27), resulting in several flight diversions and delays during the course of the day. Flights were diverted to Ahmedabad and Pune, and departure slots were postponed in an attempt to reduce congestion.

By nightfall, the plane had been towed to a secluded bay on towing gear, and restricted operations on the standby runway resumed. Authorities are making arrangements to ensure that repairs on the runway, if needed, are carried out quickly without affecting peak-hour air traffic.

A Reminder of Air Safety Challenges

Though India’s aviation safety regulation has improved with time, these kinds of accidents point towards the ongoing need for infrastructure modernization, particularly at high-traffic airports like Mumbai. Experts point to lack of runway capacity, monsoon seasons, and increasing flight schedules as areas of stress.

DGCA enhanced the inspection and audit of airlines as well as airport infrastructure in the last one-year period, especially following earlier cases of tire blowouts and forced landing of a number of carriers.

Aviation expert Ramesh Taneja commented on this:

> “The good news is that the people on board are safe, and the crew got it out in the proper way. But in doing so, it also brings up some very serious questions about readiness for weather emergencies and air response systems.”

What Happens Next?

•  Investigation: There is already a DGCA team present on the ground to check for skid marks on the runway, engine damage, and ATC communications.
• Aircraft Inspection: The engineering staff of Air India will do a thorough inspection of the A320 aircraft prior to it being deemed fit for reuse.
• Passenger Support: Air India is offering support to passengers with their luggage, onward bookings, and medical needs, if any.
• Report Timeline: An official preliminary report from the DGCA will be released within two weeks’ time.

Air India Mumbai runway overrun is relief and a reminder. Relief for the fact that no lives were lost or injured. Reminder, for the reason that despite today’s modern avionics technology in the air, unexpected accidents can still happen—particularly in weather-sensitive scenarios. While the authorities investigate the cause and offer solutions, citizens and travelers will be seeking transparency, accountability, and most importantly, guarantees of safer skies.