Mid-Taxiway Collision
A significant ground incident unfolded at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, involving an Air India flight bound for Coimbatore
and an IndiGo aircraft arriving from Hyderabad. The mishap occurred as Air India's flight AI2732 was positioned on the taxiway, awaiting its departure clearance, while IndiGo's flight 6E 791 was in the process of taxiing after completing its landing. Both aircraft were maneuvering on the ground when their right wingtips made unwanted contact. The Air India plane was in the process of moving from taxiway C1 towards M4 for its takeoff sequence, and simultaneously, the IndiGo aircraft was joining taxiway B1 after its flight. This unexpected encounter, though minor in its physical impact, necessitated immediate attention and adherence to safety protocols, leading to disruptions in scheduled operations for the involved flights and a thorough review by aviation authorities.
Immediate Aftermath
Following the wingtip scrape, both aircraft were promptly guided back to their designated bays for comprehensive safety inspections. Air India confirmed that its flight AI2732, scheduled to depart for Coimbatore on February 3rd, experienced a delay due to the incident. The airline spokesperson stated that the wingtip contact resulted in minor damage to their aircraft, which was then grounded as a precautionary measure for further technical checks. Importantly, all passengers aboard the Air India flight were safely deplaned, and the airline swiftly organized alternative flight arrangements to ensure passengers reached their destination. Similarly, IndiGo confirmed that its arriving flight, 6E 791, had its wingtip brush against another aircraft while taxiing post-landing. Passengers on this flight also disembarked safely at the gate, and the aircraft was taken for necessary maintenance and inspection. Crucially, no injuries were reported for any passengers or crew members involved in the incident, underscoring the effectiveness of emergency procedures.
Regulatory Scrutiny
In line with stringent aviation safety regulations, both Air India and IndiGo immediately notified the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) about the ground collision. The DGCA acknowledged the incident, officially categorizing it as a 'Ground Incident Involving Air India and IndiGo A320 Aircraft at Mumbai Airport.' DGCA officials were dispatched to the scene of the incident at Mumbai Airport to conduct a detailed investigation into the circumstances surrounding the wingtip contact. Both aircraft were returned to their respective bays for thorough inspection and to ascertain the extent of the damage and the contributing factors. This rare taxiway clash serves as a stark reminder of the complex ground traffic management at India's busiest airport, especially as air travel demand continues to surge, placing increased pressure on operational capacity and safety protocols.
