Ahmedabad Airport Runway Incident Leaves Dozens Injured in Air India Landing Mishap
By Kashmir News Staff | Updated: June 12, 2025
Ahmedabad: A major Ahmedabad airport runway incident occurred Thursday morning when Air India Flight AI-721 from Delhi skid off the runway while landing under adverse weather. Officials confirmed that at least 68 people were injured, 12 of them in critical condition.
This incident at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport has reignited public concern over aviation preparedness in monsoon-prone regions of India. Authorities are now thoroughly investigating operational flaws, runway readiness, and pilot actions.
Ahmedabad Airport Runway Incident: Key Details
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Flight Number | Air India AI-721 |
| Date of Incident | June 12, 2025 |
| Aircraft Type | Boeing 737 |
| Route | New Delhi ➝ Ahmedabad |
| Total Onboard | 178 (Passengers + Crew) |
| Injuries | 68 reported (12 critical) |
| Probable Cause | Low visibility, slippery runway, suspected brake malfunction |
Eyewitness Statements from Ahmedabad Runway Incident
“There was intense shaking, and then we skidded. The cabin lights went off, and the crew began yelling instructions,” said Neha Joshi, a passenger seated near the midsection. Several survivors also confirmed that exit doors were jammed, prompting the use of emergency slides.
Ahmedabad officials activated a Level 3 airport emergency. Fire and rescue, along with paramedics, reached the site within 10 minutes of the runway incident.
Investigation Underway by DGCA and Ministry of Civil Aviation
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched a high-priority probe into the cause of the Ahmedabad airport runway incident. Both the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) were recovered intact.
A statement from the Ministry of Civil Aviation confirmed coordination with Air India and airport authorities. The report will focus on weather-related flight interruptions, aircraft braking systems, and runway friction audits.
India’s Aviation Safety Comes Under the Radar
Aviation professionals and the public alike are questioning India’s readiness for weather emergency operations. Speaking to Kashmir News, pilot and safety trainer Anuj Rathore highlighted a crucial lapse: “Airports like Ahmedabad need advanced Instrument Landing Systems (ILS), improved runway drainage, and better fog detection infrastructure.”
According to the ICAO, India’s overall aviation infrastructure scores well but still has localized safety gaps—especially in second-tier cities with growing air traffic.
Impact on Passengers and Air India’s Response
Air India has issued a formal apology and stated that flight safety remains a “top priority.” Compensation measures have already been rolled out for affected passengers injured in the runway incident at Ahmedabad airport.
Additionally, Air India is reportedly reviewing all pilot training modules related to adverse condition landings and is cooperating fully with the ongoing DGCA investigation.
Conclusion: A Runway Incident That Could Spark Long-Awaited Reform
This Ahmedabad airport runway incident is not only about mechanical or human error — it’s a case study in infrastructure readiness, weather forecasting accuracy, and emergency response efficiency. As India continues to grow as an aviation hub, experts say incidents like these should catalyze stronger ground protocols, clearer SOPs for storm landings, and better real-time ATC-pilot coordination.
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