Incident Overview
A routine day at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata was disrupted when a catering truck unexpectedly collided with a stationary
IndiGo aircraft. The incident, which occurred at Bay No. 51, involved a third-party service vehicle that lurched forward as it was being operated, striking the parked plane's engine. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and the damage sustained by the aircraft is considered minor. Airport authorities and IndiGo have been duly informed and are collaborating on the investigation into the precise cause of the vehicle's sudden movement.
Aircraft Status & Operations
Following the collision, the affected IndiGo aircraft has been taken out of service and is currently undergoing comprehensive inspections and necessary maintenance. This precautionary measure ensures the aircraft's airworthiness before it can resume its scheduled operations. IndiGo has affirmed its commitment to working closely with aviation officials to thoroughly investigate the incident. In the interim, passengers booked on flight 6E 6663, originally scheduled to fly from Kolkata to Guwahati, were accommodated on an alternate aircraft to minimize disruption to their travel plans.
Context of Airport Mishaps
This event at Kolkata airport adds to a series of minor aviation incidents that have occurred in recent times, although with no significant injuries. Previously, in February, the wingtips of an IndiGo flight and an Air India aircraft briefly touched while maneuvering at Mumbai airport, an event that concluded without harm to any passengers. Furthermore, last August, an IndiGo Airbus A321 experienced its tail scraping the runway in Mumbai during a go-around maneuver performed at a low altitude due to adverse weather conditions. These occurrences highlight the continuous need for vigilance and stringent safety protocols within airport operational areas, even when direct harm is not involved.
