Mumbai, July 21, 2025 — An Air India A320neo, operating as Flight AI2744 from Kochi to Mumbai, suffered a runway excursion while landing at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) this morning, resulting in visible damage to the aircraft’s engine nacelle.
The aircraft, registered VT-TYA, touched down on Runway 09/27 at approximately 9:27 AM local time amid heavy monsoon rain. Shortly after touchdown, it veered off the paved surface and entered a muddy shoulder area, with the right engine reportedly ingesting debris and multiple tyres bursting during the excursion. The aircraft is only about four years-old.
The excursion caused minor surface damage to Runway 09/27, prompting a temporary closure. Airport operator CSMIA confirmed that secondary Runway 14/32 has been activated to ensure continued flight operations. Emergency response teams were deployed swiftly, and terminal operations were not significantly affected.
No Injuries, But Aircraft Grounded
All passengers and crew disembarked safely, with no injuries reported. The aircraft was able to taxi back under its own power to the terminal but has since been grounded for detailed inspection.
A widely circulated image from the airport ramp shows extensive damage to the engine nacelle, with a large tear in the cowling, strongly suggesting possible foreign object debris (FOD) ingestion. As per multiple reports, at least three main gear tyres are believed to have burst during the incident, though this has not been visually confirmed.
Another image circulating widely shows mud and vegetation streaks along the aircraft’s underwing area, supporting reports that it briefly left the paved surface and contacted soft ground during the excursion.
“Flight AI2744 from Kochi experienced heavy rain during landing, resulting in a runway excursion. The aircraft taxied to the bay and all passengers and crew deplaned safely. The aircraft has been grounded for checks. The safety of passengers and crew remains our top priority,” Air India said in a statement.
Substantial Damage Suspected
While the full extent of the damage is still being assessed, the nacelle deformation and suspected engine ingestion suggest the incident could be classified as substantial damage. However, the airframe and fuselage remain intact, there was no fire or structural break-up, and most importantly, no injuries were reported.
A formal investigation is expected to reveal further details, including runway friction and drainage performance during the downpour, aircraft braking action and landing speed, and crew decision-making and SOP compliance.
This incident raises important questions about wet-runway operations during the monsoon season, particularly at busy hubs like Mumbai. While the safe evacuation was a relief, the damage to an A320 neo, which is a relatively new aircraft type underscores the need for stronger operational safeguards and infrastructure readiness in poor weather.
Runway excursions remain among the most persistent threats in wet-weather operations. Just last month, we reported on a Boeing 737 operated by Air Peace that overran the runway in Nigeria after landing in heavy rain (Read: Air Peace Boeing 737 Overruns Runway in Nigeria).
This latest incident comes just weeks after the Air India Flight AI171 crash in Ahmedabad, which has already placed the airline under increased public scrutiny.
Read our coverage on AI171 crash preliminary report and the chilling timeline of that event in our feature: Why Did You Cutoff – A Timeline of Horror
Image Source: Viral images shared via social media. Original photographer unconfirmed.
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