In a precautionary move that underscores the importance of flight safety, an AI Express aircraft aborted takeoff at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport on Wednesday (July 24, 2025) after a technical snag was detected in the cockpit.

According to sources familiar with the incident, the pilot noticed a malfunction in the screens that display speed parameters, a critical component during the takeoff phase. As a result, the captain made a swift decision to abort the takeoff and return the aircraft to the parking bay.

The incident occurred just as the aircraft was preparing to accelerate on the runway for departure. AI Express, a subsidiary of Air India Express Limited (AIXL), had scheduled this flight as part of its domestic operations, though the specific route was not immediately disclosed.

What went wrong

A senior official from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), while confirming the incident, said that the fault was related to the cockpit display screens which monitor and show real-time speed information.

“The pilot observed inconsistent or blank readings on the screens displaying airspeed, which are essential during takeoff. Following standard safety procedures, the takeoff was aborted immediately,” the official said.

Speed indicators are vital for pilots to calculate V1 (decision speed), VR (rotation speed), and V2 (takeoff safety speed). A glitch in this system, especially during the takeoff roll, can lead to hazardous situations, which is why any anomaly prompts immediate action.

All passengers safe, aircraft under inspection

Thankfully, all passengers and crew members onboard were reported safe. The aircraft was taxied back to the bay without incident and engineers have since begun a thorough inspection of the affected systems.

“The safety of our passengers and crew is paramount. The captain took the correct and timely decision to abort takeoff as per standard operating procedure. Passengers were accommodated in another aircraft,” said a spokesperson for AI Express.

Initial assessments point to a possible avionics system fault, but further diagnostics are underway to ascertain the exact nature of the glitch. The aircraft will not be cleared for operations until a full technical check and any required rectification is completed.

DGCA seeks incident report

The DGCA has asked for a detailed incident report from AI Express and has instructed its safety team to verify whether the airline followed all required protocols during and after the event.

“As part of routine procedure, we will examine the aircraft maintenance records, pilot’s decision-making process, and post-incident handling,” a DGCA official added.

While technical snags are not uncommon in aviation, the timely and professional response by the AI Express crew helped avoid any unfortunate incident. Aborted takeoffs, though disruptive, are standard safety practices followed globally in the aviation industry when any anomaly is detected before the aircraft leaves the ground.

Growing focus on airline safety

This incident comes at a time when the Indian aviation sector is under increased scrutiny for safety standards, especially with rapid fleet expansion and growing air traffic. Over the past few months, DGCA has issued advisories and enhanced checks to ensure that airlines maintain the highest level of operational safety.

Air India Express, now part of Tata Group’s broader airline consolidation under AIX Connect, has been expanding its domestic and international footprint. It operates a mix of Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 aircraft, known for their fuel efficiency and mid-range capabilities.

In recent times, the carrier has invested heavily in fleet modernisation and pilot training, with renewed emphasis on system checks and incident preparedness. While this technical glitch was an unwelcome hiccup, the airline’s adherence to protocol is being seen as a positive indicator of its internal safety culture.

Passenger experience during aborted takeoff

Passengers onboard the flight were understandably shaken but later commended the professionalism of the flight crew.

“We were picking up speed on the runway, but then the brakes were applied and the plane slowed down rapidly. The captain later informed us that there was a technical issue,” said one of the passengers.

The flight was later rescheduled, and alternative arrangements were made to minimise disruption. Passengers were offered refreshments and updates during the delay, according to sources at the airport.

Conclusion

While aviation incidents like this may cause temporary inconvenience, they also highlight the robust safety mechanisms in place within India's civil aviation ecosystem. The AI Express pilot’s decision to abort takeoff in the face of cockpit instrument failure is a testament to strict safety adherence and professional competence.

The aircraft involved will now undergo a comprehensive inspection before it is returned to service, and the DGCA’s findings may help improve checks for similar aircraft across Indian airlines.

As the Indian skies get busier with each passing day, safety-first decisions like these remain key to maintaining public confidence in air travel.

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