Mumbai: Private plane involved in runway excursion at airport; eight injured; runway operational now

There were six passengers and two crew members on board. Visibility was 700m with heavy rain. No casualties reported as of now, the Director General of Civil Aviation said.

Mumbai (Maharashtra): A VSR Ventures Learjet 45 aircraft VT-DBL, operating from Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh to Maharashtra's capital Mumbai, was involved in a runway excursion (veer off) while landing on runway 27 at the Mumbai airport, the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said on Thursday.

There were six passengers and two crew members on board. Visibility was 700m with heavy rain. No casualties reported as of now, the DGCA added.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) in a statement said that a total of eight persons were injured after VSR Ventures Learjet 45 aircraft VT-DBL operating flight from Visakhapatnam to Mumbai was involved in runway excursion while landing on runway 27 at Mumbai airport.

The DGCA added that the visibility was 700 meters with heavy rains. Sources said that the Learjet 45 aircraft VT-DBL belonging to VSR Ventures was operating a flight from Vizag in Andhra Pradesh to Mumbai. Mumbai has two airports - Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 both in suburban areas of the megacity.

Sources said that the place skidded off the runway at the domestic airport, following which personnel of the Mumbai Fire Brigade, and police were rushed to the spot. Ambulances have also been rushed to the spot. It is also understood both the runways of the Mumbai Airport were shut for a brief period but have been operational since 6.47 p.m.

"Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) witnessed a runway excursion today (14.09.2023) involving a Learjet 45 aircraft VT-DBL, operating a flight from Vizag to Mumbai. This has resulted in delays in arrival and departing flights at CSMIA. We request all the passengers to connect with their respective airline, and check the schedule before leaving their homes. CSMIA sincerely regrets any inconvenience caused to the passengers," the CSMIA had said in a post on X.

In another post on X, it said, "The Runway is now open for operations post DGCA clearance at 18:47 after all safety checks were conducted. We request all passengers, to connect with their respective airline and check the schedule before leaving their homes. CSMIA sincerely regrets the inconvenience caused. (sic)."

Multiple flights which were arriving in Mumbai were diverted in view of the mishap. Sources said that at least 35 flights of various headlines were diverted after the incident.