Near Miss at Ahmedabad Airport: Air India and IndiGo Aircraft Incident
A close encounter between an Air India aircraft and an IndiGo flight occurred at Ahmedabad airport on Wednesday evening, raising concerns regarding ground movement safety. The incident, involving two narrow-body Airbus A320 planes, unfolded on a taxiway after an Air India flight inadvertently took a wrong turn.
Details of the Ground Incident
The incident took place on June 24, involving Air India flight AI 2493, which had just landed from Mumbai. While taxiing toward its parking bay, the aircraft mistakenly entered a taxiway occupied by IndiGo flight 6E 5160, which was taxiing for its scheduled departure to Mumbai.
According to reports, the two Airbus A320 aircraft came within approximately 200 metres of each other before both pilots brought their respective planes to a complete halt. While the proximity was significant, both airlines confirmed that the situation was managed promptly to prevent any collision.
Airline Responses and Operational Impact
Air India officially acknowledged the error, stating that flight AI 2493 "inadvertently took a wrong turn during taxiing." The airline emphasized that there was no compromise to the safety of passengers or crew members. Following the halt, the Air India aircraft was towed back to its designated parking bay. The carrier has reported the matter to regulatory authorities and has initiated a formal investigation into the cause of the navigational error.
IndiGo also confirmed the encounter, noting that flight 6E 5160 experienced a brief delay during its taxiing process. The airline reassured passengers that both aircraft remained at a safe distance during the standoff and confirmed that their flight eventually departed and landed safely at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai.
A Recurring Pattern in Ground Safety?
This incident at Ahmedabad marks the second significant ground movement mishap involving these two carriers in recent months. In February, a similar situation occurred at Mumbai airport, where the wingtips of an Air India Airbus A320 and an IndiGo A320 scraped against each other while taxiing. That incident necessitated technical inspections for both aircraft.
The recurrence of such incidents highlights the critical importance of precision during taxiing operations, especially in busy Indian airports where ground congestion and complex taxiway layouts require absolute adherence to air traffic control instructions. As investigations unfold, the industry will be looking for clarity on whether these errors stem from cockpit navigation mistakes or systemic communication gaps.
Key Takeaways
- The Incident: An Air India Airbus A320 took a wrong turn at Ahmedabad airport, nearly colliding with an IndiGo Airbus A320 within a 200-metre range.
- Safety Status: No injuries or damage to passengers were reported, and both airlines confirmed that safety protocols were followed to bring the planes to a halt.
- Regulatory Action: Air India has initiated an investigation and reported the incident to the relevant aviation regulatory authorities.