In a recent incident at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, an Air India flight had to abort takeoff at the last moment due to a technical issue. The plane was already speeding down the runway at around 155 km/h when the pilots made the call to apply brakes—just in time.
The aircraft, which was scheduled to depart for Pune, had begun its takeoff roll when the crew noticed a possible glitch in the system. Following standard safety procedures, they decided to abort the takeoff and bring the aircraft to a halt. Thankfully, there were no injuries reported, and all passengers and crew members were safe.
An airline spokesperson confirmed that the decision was purely precautionary and made in the interest of safety. After the aircraft came to a stop, it was towed back for inspection, and a replacement flight was arranged for the passengers.
Incidents like these, while rare, highlight the importance of pilot training and safety systems in place. Aborting a takeoff at high speed requires quick thinking, experience, and efficient communication between the cockpit crew and ground staff. The pilots’ swift action likely prevented a more serious issue.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has been informed, and a full investigation into the cause of the technical glitch is underway.
Air India has assured that passenger safety remains their highest priority and that the aircraft will return to service only after a thorough check.