Air India Flight Aborts Take-Off Due to Technical Glitch

An Air India flight from Delhi to Kolkata experienced a critical moment when pilots aborted take-off while the aircraft was accelerating at 155 km/h on the runway. The incident occurred due to a technical issue detected just in time, prompting the pilots to apply brakes and halt the aircraft. Flight AI2403, scheduled for a 5:30 pm departure, was rescheduled for later in the evening following this disruption. The airline confirmed that the decision to abort take-off was made in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures.

Passenger Safety and Airline Response

All passengers were safely disembarked, and Air India’s ground staff in Delhi provided necessary support. The airline expressed regret over the inconvenience caused by this unforeseen event, emphasizing that passenger safety remains their top priority. This incident underscores the importance of rigorous safety protocols in aviation, ensuring that potential risks are mitigated before they escalate.

Second Incident of the Day for Air India

This was not the only incident involving Air India on the same day. Another flight from Kochi to Mumbai had a close call during landing when it veered off a rain-soaked runway. Images obtained by NDTV revealed damage to one of the engines and grass stuck to the aircraft’s rear, indicating a runway excursion. Fortunately, all passengers were unharmed, although the runway sustained damage.

Government Oversight and Safety Violations

In light of these incidents, government scrutiny on Air India’s safety practices has intensified. The Civil Aviation Ministry informed Rajya Sabha that nine show cause notices have been issued to Air India over five identified safety violations in recent months. Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol stated that while no adverse trends in reliability reports have been noted, enforcement actions are underway for these violations.

Recent Tragedy Prompts Increased Scrutiny

The recent crash of an Air India flight from Ahmedabad to London, resulting in 260 fatalities, has heightened scrutiny on the airline’s safety measures. This tragic event has led to more exhaustive checks and evaluations of aircraft to prevent future occurrences.