Kolkata Airport: Vehicle Hits IndiGo Plane

• IndiGo plane in Kolkata was hit by a servicing vehicle, grounding it.
• The collision, in bay 51, caused minor damage, prompting inspections.
• Similar incidents occurred recently in Mumbai, raising ground ops safety.

An unusual incident unfolded at Kolkata Airport where a vehicle meant for servicing aircraft instead collided with a parked IndiGo plane, leading to its grounding for essential checks.

Vehicle Collision Occurs

An IndiGo aircraft, designated for an evening flight from Kolkata to Guwahati, experienced an unexpected encounter in parking bay number 51 of the Kolkata Airport. A catering vehicle, reportedly operating unmanned, veered off course and made contact with the stationary aircraft. Initial reports suggest that the impact resulted in only minor damage to the airplane. The vehicle's uncontrolled movement led it to roll forward, ultimately colliding with one of the aircraft's engines. This incident has prompted the immediate grounding of the IndiGo flight, with a replacement aircraft being arranged to ensure the flight's operational continuity.

Aircraft Grounded for Inspection

Following the collision with the catering vehicle, the IndiGo aircraft has been taken out of immediate service. The airline has confirmed that the plane is undergoing comprehensive inspections and any necessary maintenance to ascertain its airworthiness. IndiGo has emphasized its commitment to working closely with aviation authorities to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. The airline stated that the safety of its passengers and crew remains paramount and that the aircraft will only be cleared for future operations once all checks are successfully completed and any potential issues are resolved. This measure ensures that the aircraft meets all safety standards before returning to its flight schedule.

Past Aviation Incidents

This unfortunate event at Kolkata Airport is not the first of its kind to occur in recent times, highlighting the complexities of ground operations at busy airports. In February, a similar situation arose at Mumbai Airport when the wingtips of two IndiGo and Air India passenger planes inadvertently touched each other while maneuvering on the taxiway. Fortunately, all passengers on both aircraft were reported to be safe during that incident. Additionally, last August, an IndiGo Airbus A321 aircraft's tail end made contact with the runway in Mumbai. This particular incident was attributed to adverse weather conditions during a go-around maneuver at a low altitude, underscoring the various factors that can contribute to aviation-related events.