Air India flight from Kochi to Delhi with MPs on board aborts take-off after technical snag

Kochi: Passengers on board an Air India flight from Kochi to Delhi faced a tense moment and subsequent delay on Sunday night after a technical snag was detected during take-off.

According to the airline, the cockpit crew of flight AI504 noticed the issue during the take-off roll and immediately discontinued the attempt in line with Standard Operating Procedures. The aircraft was safely taxied back to the bay for inspection.

“Flight AI504 operating from Kochi to Delhi on Sunday, 17 August, was delayed due to a technical issue detected during the take-off roll. The cockpit crew decided to discontinue the run, following procedures, and brought the aircraft back for checks,” an Air India spokesperson said.

The incident drew attention after Congress MP Hibi Eden, a passenger on the flight, shared his experience on social media. “Something unusual with this flight AI 504... it just felt like the flight skid on the runway... and hasn’t taken off yet,” he wrote on Facebook.

Rajya Sabha MP Jebi Mather, also on board, said the pilot later informed passengers that the aircraft could not be used for the journey.

All passengers were disembarked without incident. Air India arranged an alternative aircraft to operate the service and provided assistance at Kochi airport.

“Subsequently, all passengers were disembarked, and an alternative aircraft was deployed to operate the flight. Our ground team in Kochi provided immediate assistance,” the airline said.

While the airline did not specify the nature of the technical issue, it reiterated that safety remained its highest priority. “We regret the inconvenience caused due to this unforeseen situation. At Air India, the safety and well-being of passengers and crew remain our top priority,” the statement added.