Near Miss at Ahmedabad Airport: Air India and IndiGo Aircraft Incident
A high-stakes moment unfolded at Ahmedabad airport on Wednesday evening when an Air India aircraft took a wrong turn during taxiing, nearly colliding with an IndiGo flight. The incident involving two narrow-body Airbus A320 planes caused a brief operational disruption but resulted in no injuries to passengers or crew.
Details of the Near Miss on the Taxiway
The incident occurred when Air India flight AI 2493, which had just landed from Mumbai, inadvertently entered the wrong taxiway. This error placed the aircraft directly in the path of IndiGo flight 6E 5160, a Mumbai-bound aircraft that was taxiing for takeoff.
According to reports, the two Airbus A320 aircraft came within approximately 200 metres of each other before ground controllers and pilots brought both planes to an immediate halt. While the proximity of the aircraft raised significant safety concerns, both airlines confirmed that the situation was contained quickly.
Airline Responses and Operational Impact
Air India issued a formal statement acknowledging the error, confirming that flight AI 2493 "inadvertently took a wrong turn during taxiing" after its arrival from Mumbai. The airline clarified that there was no compromise to the safety of the passengers or crew on board. To clear the taxiway, the Air India aircraft was subsequently towed back to its designated parking bay.
IndiGo also confirmed the incident, noting that their flight, 6E 5160, experienced a brief delay during the taxiing process. The carrier reassured travelers that both aircraft stopped at a safe distance and that their flight eventually departed and landed safely at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai. While the exact number of passengers on both flights was not immediately disclosed, no injuries were reported.
Regulatory Investigation and Recurring Safety Concerns
The incident has been reported to the relevant regulatory authorities, and a formal investigation has been initiated to determine the root cause of the navigation error. This mishap highlights the critical importance of precision in ground movement protocols at busy commercial airports.
This is not the first time these two industry giants have faced a ground movement mishap. In February, an Air India Airbus A320 and an IndiGo A320 were involved in a wingtip scrape while taxiing at Mumbai airport, which necessitated technical inspections for both aircraft. The recurrence of such close-call incidents underscores the growing need for enhanced ground safety management and stricter adherence to taxiway navigation protocols in India's rapidly expanding aviation sector.
Key Takeaways
- Incident Nature: An Air India flight (AI 2493) took a wrong turn on the taxiway at Ahmedabad airport, coming within 200 metres of an IndiGo flight (6E 5160).
- Safety Status: No passengers or crew members were injured, and both aircraft were handled safely, with the Air India plane being towed away to clear the path.
- Next Steps: Regulatory authorities have been notified, and a formal investigation is underway to prevent future ground movement errors.