News Brief
Scare At Kolkata Airport: IndiGo Aircraft Collides With Stationary Air India Express Plane, Here's What Happened Then
(Ramesh Pathania/Mint via Getty Images).
Two aircraft had a close call on the runway at Kolkata Airport this morning, narrowly avoiding a collision in a scare for hundreds of passengers as per a report by NDTV.
An IndiGo aircraft bound for Darbhanga collided with a stationary Air India Express flight waiting for clearance to enter the runway. A part of the Air India Express aircraft's wing was damaged and fell on the runway, while the wing of the IndiGo aircraft was also dented.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has off-rostered both IndiGo A320 VT-ISS pilots and ordered a detailed probe.
"We have ordered a detailed investigation into the matter, and both the pilots of IndiGo airlines have been off-rostered. The ground staff will also be questioned during the investigation. Both flights have been grounded for a detailed inspection," a DGCA official stated.
The IndiGo aircraft was carrying 135 passengers, including four infants.
"A minor graze between a taxiing IndiGo aircraft and that of another carrier was reported from Kolkata Airport. The aircraft returned to the bay for inspection and necessary action, per protocol," the low-cost carrier said, adding that an incident report has been filed with the aviation regulator DGCA.
"Consequently, IndiGo flight 6E 6152 between Kolkata and Darbhanga has been delayed," it added. Refreshments were given to all passengers, and an alternative aircraft was arranged.
"IndiGo prioritises passenger safety above all else. An incident report will be submitted to DGCA in due course," the carrier stated.
Regarding the incident, an Air India Express spokesperson said, "The wingtip of a taxiing aircraft of another airline grazed one of our aircraft, which was stationary and awaiting clearance to enter the runway at Kolkata for a scheduled operation to Chennai. The aircraft has since returned to the bay, and further investigation is underway, for which we are coordinating with the regulator and airport authorities. We apologise for the inconvenience caused to guests due to external circumstances."
Support Swarajya's 50 Ground Reports Project & Sponsor A Story
Every general election Swarajya does a 50 ground reports project.
Aimed only at serious readers and those who appreciate the nuances of political undercurrents, the project provides a sense of India's electoral landscape. As you know, these reports are produced after considerable investment of travel, time and effort on the ground.
This time too we've kicked off the project in style and have covered over 30 constituencies already. If you're someone who appreciates such work and have enjoyed our coverage please consider sponsoring a ground report for just Rs 2999 to Rs 19,999 - it goes a long way in helping us produce more quality reportage.
You can also back this project by becoming a subscriber for as little as Rs 999 - so do click on this links and choose a plan that suits you and back us.
Click below to contribute.
Latest
