MUMBAI – An IndiGo Airbus A321neo arriving from Bangkok suffered a tailstrike during a go-around at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport on August 16, 2025. The aircraft landed safely on a second attempt, but the incident has renewed concerns about recurring tailstrike events at India’s largest airline.
Incident Details
IndiGo flight 6E1060, a scheduled service from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport, was on approach to runway 27 when the crew initiated a go-around after encountering adverse weather conditions. During the maneuver, the aircraft’s tail made contact with the runway surface.
Despite the strike, flight crew continued the climb, repositioned the aircraft, and landed without further incident on the same runway.
In a statement, the airline confirmed that “flight crew had initiated a go around due to the existence of unfavourable weather conditions.” Thunderstorms with periods of heavy rainfall were reported in Mumbai around the time of the aircraft’s arrival.
Flight Data
Tracking data shows that flight 6E1060 departed Bangkok at 12:12 a.m. local time and climbed to cruising altitude at FL360 for the westbound journey. As the flight neared Mumbai, it entered a holding pattern at 17,000 feet, a maneuver likely caused by weather delays at the airport.
After leaving the hold, the crew attempted an approach to runway 27. It was during the go-around that the tailstrike occurred. The Airbus A321neo, registered VT-ICM, was delivered to IndiGo in November 2024 and is less than a year old.
Background on Tailstrike Risks
Tailstrikes occur when the rear fuselage of an aircraft makes unintended contact with the runway, typically during takeoff or landing. The Airbus A321 series is more prone to such events than shorter-fuselage counterparts like the A320, due to the longer body and pitch sensitivity.
IndiGo has faced heightened scrutiny from regulators over tailstrike incidents. Since 2023, the airline has reported at least eight such events, according to data from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB).
While the airline has implemented training measures and operational safeguards, the recurrence has drawn regulatory attention. Investigations are ongoing to determine whether procedural, technical, or training factors are contributing to the frequency of incidents.
Broader Implications
With more than 350 aircraft in its fleet, IndiGo is the largest carrier in India by market share. The airline has aggressively expanded its use of the A321neo, which offers increased seating capacity and fuel efficiency. However, the model’s susceptibility to tailstrikes has become a point of concern as IndiGo continues to scale operations both domestically and internationally.
For passengers, the Mumbai incident underscores the operational challenges of flying into one of India’s busiest hubs during the monsoon season. Mumbai airport is known for weather-related disruptions in August, as heavy rainfall and low visibility often complicate landings.
While no injuries were reported and the aircraft landed safely, industry observers note that repeated tailstrike events can lead to costly aircraft inspections, repairs, and potential fleet downtime. In some cases, tail damage can compromise pressurization systems or structural integrity, requiring significant maintenance.
Regulatory Oversight
Both DGCA and AAIB have previously directed IndiGo to strengthen pilot training and introduce stricter monitoring of high-risk procedures such as go-arounds and steep landings. Authorities are expected to review the circumstances of the Mumbai event closely, given its similarities to prior incidents.
IndiGo has said it is cooperating fully with regulators and has reiterated its commitment to safety standards. The airline has not indicated whether flight 6E1060’s aircraft will be temporarily removed from service for inspections, though such steps are standard following tail contact with a runway.
Looking Ahead
For now, the incident highlights the delicate balance between operational efficiency and safety oversight in India’s fast-growing aviation sector. As IndiGo continues to operate one of the world’s largest A321neo fleets, regulators and industry analysts will be watching closely to see whether recurring tailstrikes point to a systemic issue—or simply the challenges of flying into congested airports during adverse weather.
