Near Miss at Ahmedabad Airport: Air India and IndiGo Aircraft Encounter
A high-stakes moment unfolded at Ahmedabad airport on Wednesday evening when an Air India aircraft took an inadvertent wrong turn on the taxiway. This maneuver placed the landing aircraft directly in the path of an IndiGo flight preparing for departure, causing a brief but significant operational disruption.
Details of the Taxiway Incident
The incident involved two narrow-body Airbus A320 aircraft. Air India flight AI 2493, which had just landed from Mumbai, entered the wrong taxiway during its taxiing phase. This mistake brought the aircraft within approximately 200 metres of IndiGo flight 6E 5160, which was taxiing toward the runway for its scheduled flight to Mumbai.
Both aircraft were brought to an immediate halt to prevent a collision. Following the near miss, the Air India aircraft had to be towed back to its designated parking bay, while the IndiGo flight experienced a brief delay before successfully departing for Mumbai.
Airline Responses and Safety Status
Both carriers were quick to address the situation and confirm the operational details. Air India released a statement acknowledging that flight AI 2493 had inadvertently taken a wrong turn. The airline emphasized that there was no compromise to the safety of the passengers or the crew on board.
IndiGo confirmed the encounter, noting that while the incident caused a temporary delay, both aircraft came to a halt at a safe distance. The airline reported that the relevant authorities were notified immediately and that flight 6E 5160 eventually landed safely at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai.
Investigation and Pattern of Ground Mishaps
The incident has triggered a formal investigation as Air India has reported the matter to the regulatory authorities. This investigation will likely focus on ground movement protocols and pilot communication during taxiing procedures to prevent such errors in the future.
This event is particularly concerning as it follows a similar ground-movement mishap involving the two domestic giants 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 technical inspections. These recurring incidents highlight the critical importance of stringent ground control and navigational precision in India's increasingly crowded airspace.
Key Takeaways
- Operational Error: An Air India Airbus A320 took a wrong turn at Ahmedabad airport, coming within 200 metres of an IndiGo Airbus A320 on the same taxiway.
- Safety Maintained: No injuries or damage were reported, and both aircraft were brought to a safe halt; the Air India plane was subsequently towed to its bay.
- Regulatory Oversight: An investigation has been initiated by regulatory authorities following reports from both Air India and IndiGo.