Near-Miss at Ahmedabad Airport: Air India and IndiGo Planes Face Close Encounter
A high-stakes moment unfolded at Ahmedabad airport on Wednesday evening when an Air India aircraft took an incorrect turn, placing it on the same taxiway as an IndiGo flight. The incident, involving two narrow-body Airbus A320 aircraft, prompted immediate halts to prevent a potential collision on the ground.
Close Encounter on the Taxiway
The incident occurred during the evening hours when Air India flight AI 2493, arriving from Mumbai, inadvertently entered the wrong taxiway during its post-landing movement. This maneuver brought the aircraft directly into 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 jets came within approximately 200 metres of each other. The proximity of the two planes necessitated an immediate halt by both flight crews to ensure safety. While the distance was significant enough to avoid a collision, the encounter highlighted a serious lapse in ground movement protocols at the Ahmedabad terminal.
Airline Responses and Operational Impact
Both Air India and IndiGo have released official statements regarding the mishap. Air India confirmed that their aircraft, which had just landed from Mumbai, took the wrong turn and was subsequently towed back to its designated parking bay. The carrier emphasized that there was no compromise to the safety of the passengers or the crew on board.
IndiGo reported that the incident caused a brief delay for flight 6E 5160 during its taxiing phase. However, the airline confirmed that once the Air India aircraft was cleared from the taxiway, their flight proceeded as planned and landed safely at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai. While the exact number of passengers on both flights has not been officially disclosed, both airlines maintained that all safety protocols were followed once the error was identified.
Regulatory Scrutiny and Recurring Ground Mishaps
The incident has been reported to the relevant regulatory authorities, and a formal investigation has been initiated to determine how the wrong turn occurred. This lapse in ground navigation is particularly concerning given the recent history of ground-movement errors involving these two major Indian carriers.
In February, a similar mishap 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 required both aircraft to undergo thorough technical inspections. The recurrence of such close calls underscores the ongoing need for enhanced precision in taxiway management and stricter adherence to ground movement instructions at busy Indian airports.
Key Takeaways
- The Incident: An Air India flight (AI 2493) took an incorrect turn at Ahmedabad airport, nearly colliding with an IndiGo flight (6E 5160) within a 200-metre distance.
- Safety Status: No injuries or damage were reported; the Air India aircraft was towed away, and the IndiGo flight departed after a brief delay.
- Investigation: Regulatory authorities have been notified, and a formal investigation is underway to prevent future ground-movement errors.