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DGCA Probes Delhi Airport Ground Collision Between SpiceJet & Akasa Air

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched an inquiry into a ground collision between a SpiceJet and an Akasa Air aircraft at Delhi's IGI Airport. The incident occurred during taxiing when the SpiceJet plane's winglet contacted the stationary Akasa Air aircraft's stabilizer, causing damage to both. The pilots of the SpiceJet aircraft and the involved Air Traffic Control officer have been taken off duty pending the investigation. All passengers and crew were safely disembarked, with alternative travel arrangements being made.

Key Points: DGCA Inquiry: SpiceJet, Akasa Air Planes Collide at Delhi Airport

  • Ground collision at Delhi IGI Airport
  • SpiceJet & Akasa Air planes damaged
  • Pilots & ATC officer off duty pending inquiry
  • All passengers & crew safely disembarked
  • Ministry of Civil Aviation monitoring
2 min read

DGCA begins inquiry into ground incident involving SpiceJet, Akasa Air planes

DGCA investigates ground collision at Delhi's IGI Airport involving SpiceJet & Akasa Air aircraft. Both planes damaged, pilots off duty.

"The SpiceJet aircraft executed a turn without wing walker clearance, resulting in the contact. - Official Statement"

New Delhi, April 17

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has initiated an investigation into a ground incident at the New Delhi International Airport, involving SpiceJet and an Akasa Air aircraft.

A ground incident occurred at IGI Airport, New Delhi, on Thursday, involving a SpiceJet B737-700 aircraft (SG-124, Leh-Delhi) and an Akasa Air B737 MAX 8 aircraft (QP-1406, Delhi-Hyderabad) near bay No. 106 at Terminal 1.

During taxiing, the right winglet of the SpiceJet aircraft came into contact with the left horizontal stabiliser of the Akasa aircraft.

Both aircraft sustained damage and have been grounded for inspection and rectification, said Civil Aviation Ministry.

As per initial information, the Akasa Air aircraft had been pushed back from bay No. 104 and was positioned for engine start.

"The SpiceJet aircraft, holding near bay No. 108, was cleared by ATC to taxi to bay No. 106 after the pilot confirmed separation from the Akasa aircraft. During the manoeuvre, the SpiceJet aircraft executed a turn without wing walker clearance, resulting in the contact," according to an official statement.

Pending inquiry, the pilots of the SpiceJet aircraft and the concerned Air Traffic Control officer have been taken off duty.

"The Ministry of Civil Aviation is closely monitoring the situation and is taking all necessary steps to uphold safety standards and prevent recurrence," said the statement.

The incident took place around 2:15 pm when the SpiceJet aircraft, arriving from Leh, was taxiing towards its designated gate and made contact with the Akasa Air plane, which was preparing for departure to Hyderabad.

Preliminary information suggested that the aircraft was stationary when another airline's plane made contact with it.

"Akasa Air's aircraft operating flight QP 1406 from Delhi to Hyderabad had to return to the bay on April 16. Preliminary information indicates that Akasa's aircraft was stationary when another airline's aircraft made contact with it," said an Akasa Air spokesperson.

The airline confirmed that all passengers and crew members were safely disembarked, and alternative arrangements were being made to fly passengers to Hyderabad at the earliest.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
I was on that Akasa flight to Hyderabad! The whole experience was so stressful. We were just sitting there and felt a jolt. The crew handled it very professionally though. Glad they are making alternate arrangements, but this delay ruins my work schedule.
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Aman W
Delhi airport is getting too congested. These ground incidents are becoming more frequent. While the immediate blame is on the pilot/ATC, we need to look at the bigger picture of infrastructure and traffic management. Hope the inquiry is thorough.
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Sarah B
As someone who flies frequently for work, this is concerning. The fact that both planes are grounded means significant financial loss for the airlines and massive inconvenience for passengers. The "wing walker clearance" protocol exists for a reason – it must be followed strictly.
K
Karthik V
Respectfully, I think we should wait for the full DGCA report before pointing fingers. The pilots and ATC officer have been taken off duty, which is the correct procedure. Let's trust the process. Our aviation safety record has improved a lot, but vigilance is key.
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Nisha Z
This is why I always choose to fly with airlines known for better training. SpiceJet has had operational issues in the past. Akasa is a new player but seems more professional. Hope the affected passengers get proper compensation, not just a re-booked ticket.

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