Near Miss at Ahmedabad Airport: Air India and IndiGo Aircraft Close Call

A high-voltage moment unfolded at Ahmedabad airport on Wednesday evening when an Air India aircraft inadvertently entered the taxiway of an IndiGo flight. The incident, involving two narrow-body Airbus A320 planes, caused a temporary halt in operations and sparked immediate safety investigations.

Details of the Ground Near Miss

The incident occurred during the evening hours when Air India flight AI 2493, arriving from Mumbai, took an incorrect turn while taxiing after landing. This maneuver brought the aircraft directly onto the path of IndiGo flight 6E 5160, which was taxiing toward the runway for its scheduled departure to Mumbai.

According to reports and airline sources, the two Airbus A320 aircraft came within approximately 200 metres of each other. The proximity of the two planes necessitated an immediate halt to all movement on that specific taxiway to prevent a potential collision. While the distance was significant enough to avoid a physical impact, the near miss highlighted a critical lapse in ground navigation protocols.

Airline Responses and Passenger Safety

Both carriers were quick to address the situation. Air India confirmed that the aircraft had "inadvertently taken a wrong turn" and stated that there was no compromise to the safety of the passengers or the crew on board. To clear the taxiway and restore order, the Air India aircraft was subsequently towed back to its designated parking bay.

IndiGo reported that while their flight 6E 5160 experienced a brief delay during the taxiing process, the situation was managed safely. The airline confirmed that both aircraft came to a halt at a safe distance and that their flight eventually departed as planned, landing safely at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai.

Regulatory Oversight and Pattern of Incidents

The incident has been reported to the relevant regulatory authorities, and a formal investigation has been initiated to determine the exact cause of the wrong turn. Aviation experts and regulators will likely scrutinize cockpit procedures and ground control communications to understand how the error occurred.

This event is particularly concerning as it follows a similar ground mishap involving the same two airlines earlier this year. In February, the wingtips of an Air India Airbus A320 and an IndiGo A320 scraped each other while taxiing at Mumbai airport, a collision that required both aircraft to undergo mandatory safety inspections. This recurrence of ground-movement issues between major domestic carriers may prompt stricter oversight of taxiway navigation and pilot training protocols within Indian airports.

Key Takeaways

• Near Collision: An Air India flight and an IndiGo flight came within 200 metres of each other on a taxiway at Ahmedabad airport due to an incorrect turn.
• Safety Maintained: No injuries or physical damage were reported, and both aircraft were safely managed through towing and controlled halts.
• Investigation Pending: Regulatory authorities have been notified, and an investigation is underway to prevent a recurrence of such ground-movement errors.