GURUGRAM- Air India (AI) flight AI504 from Kochi (COK) to Delhi (DEL) was delayed on August 17, 2025, after a technical issue forced the aircraft to abort takeoff. The incident, which involved prominent passengers, raised safety concerns but was handled efficiently.
The airline prioritized passenger safety, arranging an alternative aircraft to complete the journey from Cochin International Airport to Indira Gandhi International Airport. Authorities reported no injuries and promptly resolved the situation.
Photo: CALCAir India Flight Aborts Takeoff
On the night of August 17, 2025, Air India (AI) flight AI504, scheduled to depart from Cochin International Airport (COK) to Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), encountered a technical snag during its takeoff roll.
The airline confirmed that it detected the problem just as the aircraft began accelerating on the runway. Following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), the pilots immediately halted the attempt, prioritizing safety above all else.
Reported by Gulf News, the aborted takeoff underscored the importance of quick decision-making in aviation operations.
Air India released a statement explaining that the cockpit crew identified the anomaly during the takeoff run and decided to discontinue.
The aircraft was then carefully moved back for technical evaluation. While the airline did not disclose the exact cause of the snag, it stressed that safety remains its top priority in all operations.
Photo: avgeekwithlens/ Harsh TekriwalPassenger Experiences
The incident gained attention due to the presence of two Members of Parliament (MPs) on board.
Congress MP Hibi Eden, representing Ernakulam, shared his experience on social media, noting, “Something unusual with this flight AI 504… it just felt like the flight skidded on the runway… and hasn’t taken off yet.”
His post reflected the unease felt by passengers during the abrupt halt. Similarly, Rajya Sabha MP Jebi Mather, also on the flight, reported that the pilot announced the aircraft was unfit for travel.
The firsthand accounts from these public figures amplified public interest in the event, with social media posts sparking discussions about airline safety and reliability.
Photo: Robin HARDYAir India’s Response
The crew safely disembarked all passengers from the affected aircraft following the aborted takeoff. Air India acted quickly to mitigate the inconvenience, arranging an alternative aircraft to operate the flight.
Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) set the rescheduled departure for 1:00 AM on August 18, 2025.
The airline’s ground team in Kochi (COK) provided immediate assistance to passengers, ensuring their comfort during the delay.
The replacement aircraft successfully departed at 2:44 AM and landed in Delhi (DEL) at 5:33 AM, according to Flightradar24 data. Air India expressed regret for the disruption, emphasizing that passenger and crew safety remained its top priority.
Photo: EurospotOngoing Safety Concerns
Although Air India (AI) did not disclose the specific nature of the technical issue, the incident adds to recent reports of technical difficulties the airline has faced.
Earlier instances, such as a Milan-Delhi flight cancellation on August 16 and a Bhubaneswar-Delhi flight cancellation on August 3, have raised questions about the airline’s maintenance processes.
Despite these challenges, Air India’s adherence to safety protocols in this case ensured no harm came to passengers or crew. The airline’s proactive measures, including the deployment of a replacement aircraft and clear communication, helped resolve the situation efficiently.
This event underscores the importance of rigorous safety checks in aviation to maintain public trust and operational integrity.
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