Air India flight aborts takeoff at Kochi
Technical Glitch Forces Delhi-Bound Plane to Abort Departure.
A Delhi-bound Air India flight, AI504, faced a heart-stopping moment at Cochin International Airport on Sunday evening when it was forced to abort takeoff due to a sudden technical issue. The incident, which occurred during the takeoff roll, prompted the cockpit crew to follow standard safety protocols, halting the aircraft and safely returning it to the bay for maintenance checks.
According to a Cochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL) spokesperson, the issue was detected as the Airbus A321 prepared to depart for Delhi. “The technical glitch necessitated an immediate response, and the crew’s swift action ensured passenger safety,” the spokesperson told PTI. The airline quickly arranged to replace the aircraft, rescheduling the flight for 1:00 AM on Monday to minimize disruption.
Among the passengers was Lok Sabha member and Congress leader Hibi Eden, who shared his experience on Facebook. “Something felt off with Flight AI504. It seemed like the plane skidded on the runway before stopping,” the Ernakulam MP wrote, capturing the unease felt by those on board. While the exact number of passengers remains undisclosed, Air India confirmed that all travelers were safely disembarked and supported by ground staff at Kochi.
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An Air India spokesperson expressed regret for the inconvenience, stating, “Our team is working diligently to resolve the issue and ensure a safe journey for all passengers.” The rescheduled flight reflects the airline’s commitment to safety and operational reliability.
This incident follows a series of recent technical challenges for Air India. On August 16, a Milan-Delhi flight (AI138) was canceled due to a maintenance issue identified during pushback. Earlier, on August 3, a Bhubaneswar-Delhi flight was grounded due to high cabin temperatures, and on July 31, a London-bound Boeing 787-9 from Delhi aborted takeoff due to another technical fault. These recurring issues have raised concerns among passengers about the airline’s fleet reliability.
As investigations into the Kochi incident continue, Air India has assured passengers that safety remains their top priority. The rescheduled AI504 flight departed successfully in the early hours of Monday, carrying relieved passengers to their destination.
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