The Collision Unfolds
On a recent day at Mumbai Airport, a significant ground incident unfolded involving two major Indian carriers, Air India and IndiGo. The event transpired
on the taxiway, a critical pathway for aircraft movement between the runway and the terminal. Air India flight AI2732, bound for Coimbatore, was positioned and awaiting its departure clearance when its wingtip made contact with another aircraft. Simultaneously, IndiGo flight 6E 791, having just completed its flight from Hyderabad, was taxiing after landing. The right wingtips of both these passenger aircraft brushed against each other in a rare mid-taxiway encounter. This unexpected contact led to minor damage to both aircraft, necessitating their grounding for thorough safety inspections and causing considerable disruption to their scheduled operations and passenger journeys.
Passenger Safety and Aftermath
Following the wingtip collision, the immediate priority was the safety and well-being of all passengers on board both affected flights. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in this unusual incident. In the case of Air India flight AI2732, passengers were promptly and safely deplaned from the stationary aircraft. The airline's ground staff efficiently arranged for alternative flights to ensure passengers could reach their destination in Coimbatore as soon as possible. Similarly, on IndiGo flight 6E 791, passengers disembarked without incident at the gate. Both aircraft were immediately taken out of service and moved to their respective bays for comprehensive technical inspections to assess the extent of the damage and ensure airworthiness before they could resume flying. The incident underscores the importance of vigilant ground operations, even when aircraft are not in motion.
Regulatory Response and Airport Operations
Adhering to established safety protocols, both Air India and IndiGo promptly notified the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), India's aviation regulatory body, about the taxiway collision. DGCA officials were dispatched to the scene to conduct an initial assessment and launch a formal investigation into the incident. While the aircraft were undergoing inspections and the investigation was commencing, Mumbai Airport operations continued to function normally, processing other flights without significant delays. This rare event, however, brings to the forefront the pressures on ground traffic management at one of India's busiest air travel hubs, especially as air passenger numbers continue to climb. The investigation will aim to determine the precise sequence of events and contributing factors to prevent future occurrences.
