On Monday, July 21, 2025, the scheduled Air India Flight AI764, set to depart from Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI), New Delhi, to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata, encountered a critical technical issue just moments before take-off. The aircraft, carrying over 160 passengers and crew members, had begun taxiing toward the runway when cockpit sensors flagged an abnormal system error, forcing the flight crew to abort the departure and bring the aircraft to an immediate halt.
What Went Wrong? Unpacking the Technical Snag
While official reports are still awaited, initial assessments by Air India’s ground engineers indicate the issue may have stemmed from a fault in the hydraulic system or engine monitoring sensors, both of which are essential for safe take-off and mid-air flight stability. These alerts triggered automated system warnings that demanded immediate attention and prevented take-off.
Such systems are designed with redundant safety checks, ensuring pilots are notified well before a problem becomes life-threatening. The decision to halt on the runway, while inconvenient, demonstrates the importance of these protocols in ensuring passenger safety.
Pilot’s Decision: A Case Study in Responsible Flying
In aviation, every second counts, especially when operating a full-capacity flight at a major international hub like Delhi. The pilot in command (PIC) made a crucial judgment call—to delay and investigate rather than proceed and risk airborne malfunction.
Veteran pilot Captain Neeraj Kumar, not associated with the incident, explained:
"Pilots are trained to err on the side of caution. A technical alert, even if minor, must be addressed before take-off. The safety of all souls on board is paramount."
Swift Response by Air India Engineering Team
Upon grounding the aircraft, Air India’s emergency maintenance crew and airport ground staff reached the aircraft on the taxiway within minutes. The team conducted a visual inspection, followed by a system diagnostic check, confirming that the fault would require in-hangar resolution and couldn’t be addressed on the spot.
The airline then initiated Plan B—coordinating the disembarkation of passengers, organizing refreshments, and activating alternate flight arrangements for those in transit.
Passenger Experience: From Stress to Support
Initially, passengers reported anxiety and confusion, especially given the lack of information during the first 15 minutes post-stop. However, within half an hour, the crew made multiple announcements, reassuring passengers that everyone was safe, and the delay was strictly precautionary.
Passengers were taken back to the terminal in airport shuttle buses. Those traveling for urgent reasons, including medical cases and business trips, were offered priority seating on the next available flight.
One passenger, Megha Sharma, said:
“Though I was worried initially, I really appreciate how the staff handled the situation. They kept us calm, hydrated, and informed.”
Rebooking and Rescheduling: How Air India Managed the Fallout
Air India arranged a replacement aircraft by 3:45 PM, and boarding resumed for the same passengers on a new aircraft by 4:10 PM, with the flight finally departing around 4:30 PM. All passengers reached Kolkata safely by 6:40 PM.
Additionally, the airline offered:
- Free rescheduling for connecting flight passengers
- Refunds for those who wished to cancel
- Meal vouchers at the Delhi terminal
- Complimentary lounge access for select ticket classes
Impact on IGI Airport and Other Flights
Despite being India’s busiest airport, IGI operations remained mostly unaffected. The grounded aircraft was moved off the taxiway in under an hour thanks to coordinated efforts by Delhi Airport Authority (DIAL) and Air India’s on-ground operations team.
There were minor cascading delays, mostly on Runway 29R, where AI764 was originally scheduled, but no other flights were canceled.
What the DGCA Says About the Incident
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) was informed immediately as per standard operating procedures. A full technical audit is currently underway, and the aircraft will not return to service until cleared by both DGCA and Air India’s engineering wing.
A DGCA official confirmed:
"We take all such alerts seriously, even if the issue seems minor. The system worked as it should—early detection and pilot intervention prevented any mishap."
Air India’s Technical History: Room for Improvement?
Although Air India has undergone significant transformation under the Tata Group, the airline has reported at least five technical grounding incidents in the past 12 months, including:
- AI302 Delhi to Sydney in April 2025 (cabin pressure issue)
- AI176 San Francisco to Mumbai in March 2025 (engine alert)
- AI519 Hyderabad to Delhi in January 2025 (navigation error)
The carrier has pledged investments of ₹50,000 crore toward new aircraft, AI-powered diagnostics, and advanced simulator training, but industry analysts argue that legacy aircraft maintenance remains an area of concern.
Why This Incident Still Reflects Positively on Aviation Safety
Despite the inconvenience, this event is a positive indicator of how modern aviation systems—both human and machine—work together to prevent disaster. Quick thinking by pilots, robust backup plans, and strong coordination ensured that no lives were at risk.
In global rankings, India continues to be among the top five safest aviation markets, with a steadily reducing number of critical mid-air incidents.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What caused the Air India flight to be grounded?
The aircraft experienced a technical snag, likely from its hydraulic or engine monitoring system, triggering an immediate halt on the runway.
2. Was anyone injured during the incident?
No. All passengers and crew were safe, and the grounding was a precautionary measure.
3. Which flight was affected?
The incident occurred on Air India Flight AI764, from Delhi to Kolkata.
4. How long was the delay?
The flight was delayed by approximately five hours. A new aircraft departed around 4:30 PM.
5. What did Air India do for the passengers?
Passengers received refreshments, updates, alternate flights, and some were offered rescheduling and refunds.
6. Is this a frequent issue with Air India?
Air India has faced multiple such technical snags, but they are part of standard aviation risks, and safety systems usually catch them early.
7. Was there a fire or smoke in the aircraft?
No. There were no visible signs of malfunction like fire or smoke—just a system alert.
8. Will passengers receive compensation?
Passengers may be eligible for compensation or rebooking under DGCA guidelines, depending on ticket class and travel purpose.
9. Has the grounded aircraft returned to service?
Not yet. The aircraft is under DGCA inspection and will resume only after full safety clearance.
10. What measures is Air India taking to improve?
Air India is investing in fleet upgrades, AI-based diagnostics, and better training to minimize future technical faults.
Conclusion: Inconvenience Today, Safety for Tomorrow
The temporary grounding of Air India Flight AI764 may have disrupted schedules and caused discomfort, but it also highlights the strength of aviation safety systems in India. Thanks to timely decision-making, efficient passenger handling, and transparent airline communication, what could’ve become a high-risk event was resolved as a minor delay with zero injuries.
Passengers might remember the delay, but they’ll also recall that their safety was not compromised—and that matters more than an on-time departure.
Report by Toofan Express