Mumbai Airport Scare: IndiGo and Air India Planes Were Just 509 m Apart

Mumbai Airport Scare: IndiGo and Air India Planes Were Just 509 m Apart

Keywords: Mumbai Airport, IndiGo, Air India, Near-miss, safety incident

On January 7, 2023, a potentially dangerous incident occurred at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. An IndiGo flight (6E 679) and an Air India Express flight (IX 144) came within a mere 509 meters of colliding while preparing to take off.

According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the IndiGo flight was cleared to take off at 12:45 pm from runway 27. However, the Air India Express flight, which was also scheduled to depart, was still on the runway.

The Air Traffic Controller (ATC) noticed the proximity of the two aircraft and immediately instructed the IndiGo flight to abort its takeoff. The pilot of the IndiGo flight reacted promptly, applying maximum brakes and bringing the plane to a halt approximately 850 meters from the other aircraft.

DGCA has initiated an investigation into the incident to determine the exact sequence of events and identify any systemic failures. Sources within the DGCA have indicated that preliminary findings suggest a “communication breakdown” between the ATC and the Air India Express crew.

The near-miss has raised concerns about safety protocols at Mumbai Airport. The airport is one of the busiest in India, handling over 1,000 flights per day. The incident has prompted authorities to review existing safety measures and consider implementing additional protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.

IndiGo and Air India have both expressed relief that no one was injured in the incident. The airlines have cooperated with the DGCA’s investigation and have taken steps to address any potential safety issues.

The Mumbai Airport scare serves as a reminder of the importance of strict adherence to safety procedures in aviation. It also highlights the need for effective communication and coordination between all parties involved in air traffic management.