IndiGo flight's tail hits runway at Mumbai airport, grounded

An IndiGo Airbus A321 aircraft suffered a tail strike at Mumbai airport on Saturday, a potentially serious incident that occurred while the crew was performing a low-altitude go-around due to unfavorable weather conditions. The aircraft, however, successfully executed a second approach and landed safely, with all passengers and crew unharmed. The incident has prompted a swift safety investigation, and the aircraft has been grounded for necessary checks and repairs.

A "tail strike" occurs when the rear end of an aircraft's fuselage, or tail, makes contact with the runway. While it can happen during takeoff, it is more statistically common during landing, particularly in challenging weather conditions or during a go-around maneuver. A "go-around" is a standard and crucial safety procedure where a pilot decides to abort a landing approach and climb back into the air, either to try again or to divert. This decision is often made due to an unstabilized approach, poor visibility, or runway obstructions.

According to an official statement from an IndiGo spokesperson, the aircraft was making its initial landing attempt when the tail strike occurred. "On August 16, 2025, an IndiGo Airbus A321 aircraft tail touched the runway while executing a low-altitude go-around due to unfavourable weather conditions in Mumbai," the spokesperson confirmed. Following the incident, the aircraft proceeded to perform a second, successful approach and landed safely, ensuring the well-being of everyone on board.

The airline emphasized that safety is its top priority and that standard protocols are being followed. The aircraft has been taken out of service to undergo a thorough inspection and any necessary repairs. It will only be allowed to resume operations after it has been cleared by the regulatory authorities, a standard procedure for such incidents to ensure the aircraft's airworthiness and safety.