A Delhi-bound Air India flight (AI504) originating from Kochi was forced to abort take-off in the early hours of Monday, after the cockpit crew detected a technical issue during the take-off roll and decided to return the aircraft safely to the bay. The incident came to light after Congress MP Hibi Eden, who was on board the flight, posted on social media that it felt as though the aircraft had skidded on the runway before it came to a halt.

According to a spokesperson from Cochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL), the take-off was discontinued due to a technical fault, and Air India subsequently informed the airport authorities that the aircraft would be changed. The flight, which was originally scheduled for departure shortly after midnight, has now been rescheduled to depart at 1:00 am, after a replacement aircraft is prepared.

In an official statement, an Air India spokesperson confirmed the incident, noting that during the take-off roll, the cockpit crew detected an issue and decided to discontinue the take-off in accordance with standard operating procedures. The aircraft returned to the bay for maintenance checks, and all passengers were safely disembarked.
“Our ground staff in Kochi are extending full assistance to the passengers,” Air India said, apologising for the inconvenience caused. The flight was originally being operated with an Airbus A321.

Passengers Share Their Experience

The issue gained wider attention when Ernakulam Lok Sabha MP Hibi Eden posted on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), stating, “Something unusual with flight AI504, it just felt like the flight skidded on the runway and hasn't taken off yet… Air India cancelled AI504 and announced a new flight at 1 am which hasn’t still started boarding.”

Another passenger, Rajya Sabha MP Jebi Mather, who was also on board, said the pilot later announced that the aircraft could not be used due to the technical fault and that the passengers would be shifted to another aircraft for a rescheduled departure.

Recent Air India Maintenance Incident

The Kochi incident follows another technical disruption in Air India’s network just days ago, when the carrier cancelled its Milan–Delhi flight (AI138) on August 16 after a maintenance issue was detected during pushback. In that case, passengers were provided hotel accommodation and were given a choice between full refunds or complimentary rescheduling.

Air India clarified that the delay in the Milan flight was due not only to the maintenance problem but also because the operating crew had reached their mandatory flight duty-time limit, prohibiting further operation under aviation safety regulations.

Ongoing Technical Challenges Since Privatisation

Since coming under the ownership of Tata Group in January 2022, Air India has faced several incidents involving last-minute flight delays and cancellations, many attributed to technical and maintenance issues.
Despite repeated assurances from Air India’s CEO and Managing Director Campbell Wilson that comprehensive fleet checks had been conducted—especially on the Boeing 787 aircraft—recent episodes suggest that operational challenges remain.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the aborted take-off of Air India’s Kochi-Delhi flight AI504 underscores ongoing operational and technical challenges faced by the airline. Although the prompt action by the pilots ensured passenger safety, the incident has raised renewed concerns about aircraft maintenance and service reliability. With passengers—including sitting Members of Parliament—reporting a skid-like sensation on the runway, the circumstances have drawn wider public attention.
Air India is now working to deploy a replacement aircraft and assist passengers, while regulators and aviation experts are likely to look closely at the airline’s maintenance protocols. As the carrier works to modernise its fleet and restore public confidence, timely resolution of such issues will be crucial for ensuring safe and reliable operations in India’s fast-growing aviation sector.

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