Air India Flight Escapes Mishap During Mumbai Landing, Engine Damaged

An Air India flight arriving from Kochi had a narrow escape while landing at Mumbai airport this morning. The aircraft reportedly skidded off the rain-soaked runway during touchdown. Images obtained by NDTV show grass lodged in the rear section of the plane and visible damage to one of its engines.

Airport officials confirmed that all passengers on board are safe.

Footage reveals that the right engine’s nacelle — the protective casing around the engine — was damaged, suggesting it made contact with the ground during what aviation experts call a “runway excursion.” The presence of grass stuck to the engine’s rear further indicates that the impact was significant. The runway itself also sustained damage from the incident.

Government sources said that the plane, after landing, made a runway excursion to one side of the runway. “Marking of one wheel of aircraft went into the grassy area on the side of the runway,” a source said. Three signage boards and four runway edge lights were found broken after the incident.

According to Air India, the aircraft has been grounded for checks, and the inspection is underway. The two pilots have been derostered pending an inquiry into what led to the scare.

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Minor Damage to Primary Runway; Secondary Runway Activated

The Mumbai Airport issued a statement shortly after the incident. “An incoming aircraft from Kochi experienced a runway excursion at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), Mumbai at 09.27 hours on 21 July 2025. CSMIA’s emergency response teams were immediately activated to manage the runway excursion. All passengers and crew are safe,” the statement said.

“There are minor damages reported to the airport’s primary runway – 09/27. In order to ensure continuity of operations, the Secondary Runway 14/32 – has been activated. At CSMIA, safety always remains our highest priority,” it added. It is unclear if this runway’s closure would lead to delays.

This incident comes at a time when the aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation is closely looking at safety protocols for passenger flights in the aftermath of the AI 171 crash in Ahmedabad last month that claimed over 250 lives. 

Mumbai has been witnessing heavy, continuous rain, leaving many areas waterlogged and disrupting transport services on Monday. 

The Mumbai airport issued an advisory earlier today, urging passengers to check their flight status and allow extra travel time to reach the airport. “In light of the inclement weather and forecast of heavy to very heavy rains, we request all our passengers to connect with their respective airlines and check on the status of their flights before leaving for the airport. Passengers are also advised to leave for the airport earlier than usual, in order to evade traffic congestion,” it said. 

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