IndiGo and Air India Express planes fly past each other in Kolkata, offering passengers a close shave

Part of Air India Express’s wing fell off the runway, while IndiGo’s wing was dented

New Delhi:

Hundreds of passengers had a narrow escape after two planes came dangerously close to each other on the Kolkata runway this morning.

An IndiGo aircraft bound for Darbhanga was taxiing at the Kolkata airport when it hit an Air India Express flight that was waiting to enter the runway. The wing of the Air India Express was hit and part of it fell on the runway, while the wing of the IndiGo aircraft was also dented.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has delisted two IndiGo A320 VT-ISS pilots and ordered a detailed investigation, news agency ANI reported.

An official from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation said: “We have ordered a detailed investigation into the matter and the two pilots of Indigo Airways have been removed. Ground staff will also be questioned during the investigation. Both flights have been grounded for detailed inspection. “

The IndiGo aircraft was carrying 135 passengers, including four infants.

The low-cost airline said: “Kolkata Airport reported a minor scrape between a taxiing IndiGo aircraft and another airline’s aircraft. As per protocol, the aircraft returned to the bay for inspection and necessary action. ” and added that the accident report has been released for filing with the aviation regulator DGCA.

“Consequently, IndiGo flight 6E 6152 between Kolkata and Darbhanga has been delayed,” it added. Refreshments were provided to all passengers and alternative aircraft were arranged.

“IndiGo prioritizes passenger safety. An incident report will be submitted to the Civil Aviation Administration of China in due course,” the airline said.

Speaking about the incident, an Air India Express spokesperson said: “The wing tip of a taxiing aircraft from another airline brushed against one of our aircraft which was stationary and awaiting clearance to enter the Kolkata runway.” A flight to Chennai was planned. It has now returned to the Gulf and further investigations are ongoing and we are coordinating with regulators and airport authorities. We apologize for any inconvenience caused to our guests due to the external situation.”

Kolkata Airport said in an incident report, “Information was received from ATC at 11.10 am that an aircraft IX 1886 (VT-TGG) reported a wingtip vortex attack. Observed wingtip vortex of aircraft IX 1886 Missing, while aircraft IX 1886 has missing wingtip vortices Aircraft 6E 6152 has dents.”