Near Miss at Ahmedabad Airport: Air India and IndiGo Planes Face Ground Incident
A high-stakes moment unfolded at Ahmedabad airport on Wednesday evening when an Air India aircraft inadvertently entered the path of an IndiGo flight during taxiing. The near-miss involving two narrow-body Airbus A320 aircraft has raised fresh questions regarding ground movement safety protocols at Indian airports.
The Incident: A Wrong Turn on the Taxiway
The incident occurred on the evening of June 24, involving Air India flight AI 2493, which had just landed from Mumbai. While navigating the taxiways toward its designated parking bay, the Air India aircraft took an incorrect turn, placing it on the same taxiway occupied by IndiGo flight 6E 5160.
The IndiGo flight, bound for Mumbai, was in the process of taxiing for takeoff when the two aircraft came within approximately 200 metres of each other. Recognizing the potential hazard, both pilots brought their respective aircraft to an immediate halt to prevent a collision.
Airline Responses and Safety Status
Both carriers moved quickly to manage the situation and communicate with passengers. Air India confirmed the error in a formal statement, admitting the aircraft "inadvertently took a wrong turn during taxiing." The airline emphasized that there was no compromise to the safety of the passengers or crew on board. Following the halt, the Air India aircraft was towed back to its parking bay to clear the path.
IndiGo also confirmed the event, noting that while flight 6E 5160 experienced a brief delay during the taxiing process, the situation was resolved safely. The airline reported that its flight eventually departed and landed successfully at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai.
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. This investigation will likely focus on cockpit communication, ground control instructions, and taxiway signage clarity.
This event is particularly concerning for the Indian aviation industry as it follows a similar mishap between the two carriers 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, necessitating technical inspections for both planes. These recurring ground movement issues underscore the critical need for stringent adherence to taxiway protocols to ensure seamless operations in India's increasingly crowded airspace.
Key Takeaways
- The Collision Risk: Two Airbus A320 aircraft (Air India AI 2493 and IndiGo 6E 5160) came within 200 metres of each other due to an incorrect turn at Ahmedabad airport.
- Operational Impact: No injuries were reported, and both flights proceeded safely, though the IndiGo flight faced a brief taxiing delay.
- Regulatory Action: An official investigation has been launched by regulatory authorities to address the error in ground movement and prevent future recurrences.