A mid-air disaster was averted at Indira Gandhi International Airport after two passenger aircraft belonging to SpiceJet and Akasa Air collided on the ground during taxiing operations on Thursday, leaving both planes damaged and grounded for inspection.
The incident occurred during routine aircraft movement on the taxiway, a critical phase of ground operations that requires close coordination between pilots and air traffic control. According to initial reports, a SpiceJet Boeing 737 aircraft, which had recently landed and was taxiing towards its designated parking bay, made contact with an Akasa Air Boeing 737 MAX aircraft that was positioned nearby and preparing for departure.
Preliminary assessments indicate that the winglet of the SpiceJet aircraft struck the tail section of the Akasa Air plane. The impact caused visible structural damage to both aircraft, though officials confirmed that the collision happened at low speed, significantly reducing the risk of a more serious outcome.
Airlines involved in the incident said all passengers and crew members were safe. Those onboard the Akasa Air flight were deboarded shortly after the occurrence, and the airline initiated alternative travel arrangements to minimise inconvenience. There were no reports of injuries, and airport authorities confirmed that the situation was brought under control quickly.
Both aircraft have since been withdrawn from service as a precautionary measure and will undergo detailed technical inspections before being cleared for operations again. Aviation safety protocols require thorough checks following any ground collision to ensure structural integrity and operational safety.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident to determine the exact sequence of events. The probe is expected to focus on whether there were any lapses in communication between cockpit crews and ground control, or deviations from standard operating procedures during taxiing.
While such ground incidents are relatively rare, they are taken seriously within the aviation sector, particularly at busy airports like Delhi, where aircraft movements are frequent and tightly managed. Experts note that even minor misjudgments in spacing or coordination can lead to contact between aircraft in congested taxiways.
Operations at the airport continued without major disruption following the incident, although the temporary grounding of the affected aircraft may have led to minor scheduling adjustments for the airlines. The findings of the investigation are expected to inform any corrective measures aimed at strengthening ground safety protocols and preventing similar occurrences in the future.
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Edited by Madhusudhan Reddy
Last Updated on: Thursday, April 16, 2026 7:29 pm by News Proton Team | Published by: News Proton Team on Thursday, April 16, 2026 7:29 pm | News Categories: Trending, Automobile, Delhi