New Delhi, July 21, 2025 — Air India flight AI 2403, en route from Delhi to Kolkata, aborted take-off during the roll at Indira Gandhi International Airport after the cockpit crew detected a technical snag, according to official statements and media reports
Incident Details
- The Airbus A321neo, scheduled to depart at 5:51 pm, began its take‑off roll from Terminal 3, running approximately 20 minutes behind schedule.
- At around 155 km/h, cockpit crew detected an anomaly and promptly aborted the take‑off, following standard procedures .
- The aircraft safely vacated the runway, returning to the taxiway, and was towed back to the gate .
- All 160 passengers and crew were safely disembarked, and ground staff provided assistance. No injuries were reported.
- The flight has been rescheduled for later in the evening, with initial reports indicating a departure around 9:30 pm .
Airline Statement
Air India confirmed:
“Flight AI2403 operating from Delhi to Kolkata on 21 July 2025 has been rescheduled to depart later this evening, necessitated by a technical issue detected during the take‑off roll. The cockpit crew decided to discontinue take‑off, following Standard Operating Procedures. All passengers have disembarked… The inconvenience caused to passengers due to this unforeseen disruption is sincerely regretted. At Air India, the safety and well‑being of our passengers remain top priority.”
Context & Broader Implications
This incident adds to a series of recent safety-related disruptions involving Air India. Analysts and aviation experts note that after the Air India Flight AI 171 crash in Ahmedabad on 12 June 2025, which claimed 260 lives, flight crews appear understandably cautious, often aborting departures at early signs of technical irregularities .
While such caution helps prioritize passenger safety, there are concerns that over-sensitivity to minor glitches could also lead to operational disruptions if normalized for longer periods.
Looking Forward
- Investigations are underway to identify the precise nature of the technical issue detected during the take-off roll.
- As part of ongoing airline protocols and regulatory expectations, aircraft will undergo further checks before being cleared for the rescheduled departure.
- Aviation authorities and experts continue to monitor whether such incidents represent isolated occurrences or broader issues in Air India’s maintenance or operational standards.