Near-Miss at Ahmedabad Airport: Air India and IndiGo Aircraft Confronted
A high-tension moment unfolded at Ahmedabad airport on Wednesday evening when an Air India aircraft inadvertently entered a taxiway occupied by an IndiGo flight. The narrow-body Airbus A320 planes came within approximately 200 metres of each other, prompting an immediate halt to ground operations.
Details of the Near-Miss Incident
The incident occurred during the evening hours when Air India flight AI 2493, which had just landed from Mumbai, took an incorrect turn while taxiing. This wrong turn placed the aircraft directly in the path of IndiGo flight 6E 5160, a Mumbai-bound vessel that was taxiing for takeoff.
Witnesses and sources indicated that the two Airbus A320 aircraft were positioned extremely close to one another, with an estimated distance of just 200 metres separating them. Following the near-collision, both aircraft were brought to an immediate standstill to prevent any physical contact.
Airline Responses and Operational Impact
Both Air India and IndiGo have released official statements regarding the mishap. Air India confirmed that flight AI 2493 inadvertently entered the wrong taxiway after landing. To clear the path, the aircraft had to be towed back to its designated parking bay. The airline emphasized that there was no compromise to the safety of the passengers or the crew on board.
IndiGo reported that its flight, 6E 5160, experienced a brief delay during the taxiing process due to the obstruction. However, the airline confirmed that the aircraft was able to depart safely after the Air India plane was moved, eventually landing at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai without further incident.
Regulatory Investigation and Safety Concerns
The incident has been formally reported to the relevant regulatory authorities, and a full investigation has been initiated to determine the root cause of the navigational error. While the exact number of passengers on both flights has not been disclosed, no injuries or structural damages were reported.
This event raises concerns regarding ground movement safety, as it follows a similar mishap between the two carriers earlier this year. In February, the wingtips of an Air India A320 and an IndiGo A320 scraped each other while taxiing at Mumbai airport, necessitating technical inspections for both aircraft. This recurrence highlights the ongoing need for stringent ground control protocols in India's increasingly busy aviation corridors.
Key Takeaways
- Proximity Risk: Two Airbus A320 aircraft came within approximately 200 metres of each other due to an incorrect turn by an Air India flight at Ahmedabad airport.
- Operational Recovery: The Air India aircraft was towed back to its bay, while the IndiGo flight faced a brief delay before departing safely for Mumbai.
- Investigation Underway: Regulatory authorities have been notified, and an investigation has been launched to prevent future ground movement errors.