India’s national carrier, Air India, and low-cost rival IndiGo suffered a minor injury to their aircraft when the wing tips of two taxying planes scraped each other at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai on Tuesday.
The incident occurred around 9 am local time as both aircraft were taxying for take-off and landing. The Airbus A320s were involved, one from Air India and another from IndiGo.
No injuries were reported, but the incident highlighted concerns about airport safety and air traffic management. Airport authorities have been facing criticism over their handling of similar incidents in recent years.
According to sources, the wing tips of both aircraft made contact while they were stationary on a taxiway. The collision caused minor damage to both planes, but did not result in any significant injuries or fatalities.
The Indian aviation regulator, DGCA, has issued a notice to both airlines and will conduct an investigation into the incident. The probe aims to determine the cause of the accident and assess whether it was preventable.
‘The safety of our passengers is paramount, and we take all incidents seriously,’ said an Air India spokesperson in a statement. ‘We are cooperating fully with the DGCA’s investigation.’ IndiGo has also expressed its commitment to safety, stating that they are ‘fully cooperating’ with the regulator’s probe.
The incident comes at a time when both airlines have been facing criticism over their handling of technical issues and safety concerns. In recent months, there have been several incidents involving Air India planes, including a mid-air engine failure in January.
IndiGo has also faced scrutiny over its maintenance practices and adherence to regulatory requirements. The airline has since improved its safety record and implemented additional checks to ensure the safe operation of its aircraft.
The incident is still under investigation, and both airlines are working with the DGCA to determine the cause and prevent similar accidents in the future. The aviation regulator has warned that it will take action against any airline found to be negligent or reckless in its safety procedures.
Indian authorities have been urging airlines to improve their safety protocols and implement more robust maintenance checks to prevent such incidents. The government has also set up a special task force to monitor the safety of Indian airlines and address concerns over air travel safety.
The latest incident is a wake-up call for both airlines, which must prioritize the safety of their passengers and ensure that their aircraft are airworthy before taking off. As the aviation regulator continues its investigation, one thing is clear: the safety of India’s skies depends on it.
About the Author
