Near-Miss at Ahmedabad Airport: Air India and IndiGo Aircraft Face Close Encounter
A high-stakes moment unfolded at Ahmedabad airport on Wednesday evening when an Air India aircraft inadvertently entered the same taxiway as an IndiGo flight. The incident involving two narrow-body Airbus A320 planes caused immediate concern regarding ground safety protocols at one of India's busy aviation hubs.
The Incident: A Wrong Turn on the Taxiway
The mishap occurred during the evening hours when Air India flight AI 2493, arriving from Mumbai, took an incorrect turn after landing. 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, the two Airbus A320 aircraft came within approximately 200 metres of each other. Fortunately, the proximity did not result in a collision, as both pilots managed to bring their respective aircraft to a halt before any impact occurred.
Airline Responses and Operational Impact
Both carriers were quick to address the situation. Air India issued a statement confirming that flight AI 2493 had "inadvertently taken a wrong turn during taxiing." The airline emphasized that there was no compromise to the safety of the passengers or the crew on board. Following the halt, the Air India aircraft was towed back to its designated parking bay to clear the taxiway.
IndiGo confirmed that while the incident caused a brief delay for flight 6E 5160, the aircraft 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, both airlines maintained that the situation was brought under control swiftly.
Regulatory Oversight and Safety Concerns
The incident has been officially reported to the relevant regulatory authorities, and a formal investigation has been initiated to determine how the wrong turn occurred. This scrutiny is critical as the aviation industry continues to tighten ground movement protocols to prevent runway incursions and taxiway mishaps.
This event is particularly notable as it follows a similar ground mishap between the two airlines earlier this year. In February, the wingtips of an Air India Airbus A320 and an IndiGo A320 scraped against each other while taxiing at Mumbai airport, necessitating technical inspections for both aircraft. The recurrence of such incidents underscores the growing need for enhanced precision in ground maneuvering and communication during peak operational hours.
Key Takeaways
- Close Proximity: Two Airbus A320 aircraft came within roughly 200 metres of each other at Ahmedabad airport due to a wrong turn by an Air India flight.
- No Safety Compromise: Both airlines confirmed that no passengers or crew members were harmed, and the IndiGo flight eventually completed its journey to Mumbai.
- Investigation Underway: Regulatory authorities have been notified, and an investigation has been launched to identify the cause of the taxiway error.