IndiGo vs Air India Express: What Led to Bizarre Collision at Kolkata Airport

Kolkata: A major accident was averted at Kolkata airport after a Chennai-bound Air India Express flight experienced a minor collision with an IndiGo aircraft during taxiing, prompting the former to return to the bay. The IndiGo flight was headed to Darbhanga, while the Air India Express plane was scheduled to leave for Chennai. Both aircraft had passengers on board at the time of the accident but no injuries have been reported.  Indigo flight 6E 6152 had 135 passengers on board, including four infants.  

What Led To The Bizarre Accident?

“A minor graze between a taxiing IndiGo aircraft and that of another carrier was reported from Kolkata Airport. The aircraft returned to bay for inspection and necessary action, as per protocol. Consequently, IndiGo flight 6E 6152 between Kolkata and Darbhanga has been delayed. Refreshments have been provided to all passengers and an alternate aircraft has been arranged to minimise delay and inconvenience to the passengers. IndiGo prioritises passenger safety above all else. An incident report will be submitted to DGCA in due course, as per protocol”, an IndiGo spokesperson said. 

The incident took place on the taxiway near the runway around 11 am. In an incident report, Kolkata airport, said, "At 11:10 am, received information from ATC that one aircraft IX 1886 (VT-TGG) report wingtip vortices hit. Observed wingtip vortices of aircraft IX 1886 are missing and wingtip vortices of aircraft 6E 6152 have dents."  

Speaking about the mishap, 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." 

DGCA Swings Into Action

Meanwhile, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has taken action by off-rostering the pilots of the IndiGo airline involved in the collision with the stationary aircraft.  "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 the flights have been grounded for detailed inspection," a DGCA official said.