Air India Flight AI645, bound for Jodhpur, aborted takeoff in Mumbai on August 22, 2025 after experiencing a technical snag. Learn how safety protocols kicked in, what alternative arrangements were made, and what this means for passenger safety and operational standards.

Air India Flight AI645 Aborts Takeoff in Mumbai Amid Technical Snag

What Happened? Flight AI645’s Takeoff Was Halted

On August 22, 2025, Flight AI645, bound for Jodhpur, took a sudden turn when the flight crew decided to abort takeoff at Mumbai’s Terminal 2. The aircraft accelerated to full takeoff speed but came to a halt on the runway as a precautionary response to an operational/technical issue.

Why the Takeoff Was Aborted: Safety First

According to Air India’s official statement and media sources, the decision to discontinue the takeoff run was made in accordance with standard operating procedures, underscoring the airline’s priority: passenger safety Hindustan Times Telegraph India.

Passengers Deboarded and Alternative Plans Activated

Passengers were promptly deboarded and escorted back to the gate. Air India’s ground staff extended immediate assistance, ensuring that passengers were not left stranded. Alternative arrangements were swiftly organized, and passengers were eventually flown to Jodhpur via another aircraft.

Context — A Series of Recent Technical Snags

This isn’t an isolated case. Similar incidents have been reported across the Air India network in recent weeks:

In Kochi on August 18, 2025, an Air India flight to Delhi aborted takeoff due to a technical glitch. An MP onboard described feeling the aircraft “skid” on the runway. The flight was rescheduled later, with ground support aiding passengers.
In July 2025, an Air India Express flight from Delhi to Mumbai aborted takeoff because cockpit screens went blank, affecting crucial speed data. Passengers were shifted to another aircraft.

These incidents spotlight recurring challenges in maintenance and cockpit systems, placing a spotlight on aviation safety standards and oversight across the fleet.

What Does Aviation Protocol Say About Rejected Takeoffs?

In aviation, this scenario is known as a rejected or aborted takeoff (RTO) — when a takeoff is halted after roll initiation but before liftoff Wikipedia. Such decisions are driven by the pilot’s judgment, typically reacting to warning indicators, system failures, or engine issues. If within safe speed thresholds, aborting is far safer than risking a malfunction in-bound air.

What This Means for Travelers and Air India

Safety remains paramount: Each incident reinforces the commitment to protocol—pilots and staff acted decisively.
Operational resilience tested: While interventions minimize risk, repeated incidents may disrupt schedules and erode public confidence.
Potential regulatory attention: The DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) is likely monitoring the trend closely to ensure systemic safety and maintenance compliance.
Passenger reassurance and transparency are key: Clear communication and rapid solutions help maintain trust in Air India’s commitment to safe travel.

Full ~700-Word Article

Mumbai, August 22, 2025 — Passengers aboard Air India Flight AI645, scheduled to depart from Terminal 2, Mumbai, for Jodhpur, experienced a sudden halt during the takeoff roll when the aircraft was aborted due to a technical or operational issue. Although the aircraft had gained full speed, the pilots determined there was sufficient cause to discontinue the takeoff run, following standard operating procedures—a decision that underscores the airline’s unwavering commitment to passenger safety rather than completing a potentially hazardous takeoff.

While specific technical details remain undisclosed, the abrupt stop led to immediate actions on the ground: passengers were quickly deboarded and returned to the gate. Ground staff at Mumbai swung into action, ensuring all passengers received timely assistance. Meanwhile, Air India arranged alternate flights, allowing travelers to continue their journey to Jodhpur with minimal disruption.

Although this incident stands alone today, it aligns with a troubling cluster of technical anomalies across the airline network in recent months. Notably, just four days prior, another Air India aircraft aborted takeoff from Kochi due to a cockpit skid-like feeling—described by an MP onboard—and subsequently took off later that night on a different plane. In July, the subsidiary Air India Express faced a cockpit screen blackout before takeoff from Delhi, resulting in aborted departure and passenger transfer to another aircraft. These recurring episodes spotlight gaps in aircraft system reliability and raise questions on broader fleet maintenance strategies.

Aviation safety experts define this scenario as a “Rejected Takeoff” (RTO)—a maneuver pilots execute when an issue appears during roll but before liftoff. Pilots often rely on a pivotal speed called V₁. Below V₁, they can halt safely using runway length; above this threshold, in-flight continuation and returning for landing is generally favored. The fact that pilots aborted AI645’s takeoff suggests they operated within a safe window and acted on prudent judgment in response to a suspected failure.

In light of these events, airline executives, regulators, and the travelling public may take away several key points:

Airmanship and protocol prevail — The pilots’ swift decision in AI645’s case reflects sound judgment and procedural discipline.
Passenger care is swift and effective — Ground crews managed deplaning, care, and rebooking promptly, minimizing traveler inconvenience.
Operational resilience is being tested — While safety checks are vital, frequent technical interruptions strain logistics and could affect public perception.
Possible regulatory scrutiny ahead — These incidents may prompt heightened oversight from the DGCA to evaluate pre-flight protocols and maintenance rigor.
Transparency builds trust — Clear communication and visible commitment to safety help sustain passenger confidence even amidst disruptions.

As the aviation landscape evolves, maintaining impeccable safety standards remains non-negotiable. Flight AI645’s aborted takeoff serves as a reminder that diligent protocols and trained crews are the backbone of airline operations—and ultimately, passenger well-being.

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