Scare At Kolkata Airport: IndiGo Aircraft Collides With Stationary Air India Express Plane, Here's What Happened Then

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."