Ground Collision at Delhi Airport Damages Two Aircraft, No Injuries Reported
A ground collision occurred between two aircraft at Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi on Thursday, resulting in damage to both planes. The incident involved a SpiceJet aircraft that struck a stationary Akasa Air plane while taxiing.
Details of the Incident
According to a SpiceJet spokesperson, a B737-700 aircraft was involved in a ground incident while taxiing on April 16. The aircraft's right winglet made contact with the left-hand horizontal stabiliser of another plane belonging to a different airline. Following the collision, the SpiceJet aircraft has been grounded in Delhi for thorough inspection to assess the extent of the damage.
Akasa Air confirmed that its aircraft, which was operating flight QP 1406 from Delhi to Hyderabad, was stationary at the time of the incident when it was hit by the other airline's plane. After the collision, the aircraft returned to the bay for safety checks and evaluation.
Passenger Safety and Response
An Akasa Air spokesperson stated that all passengers and crew were safely disembarked from the affected aircraft. The airline's ground teams are actively making alternative arrangements to ensure passengers reach Hyderabad at the earliest possible time. No injuries have been reported from the incident, highlighting the effective safety protocols in place.
Ongoing Investigations
Authorities are currently assessing the extent of the damage to both aircraft and investigating the circumstances that led to the ground collision. Further details are awaited as the investigation progresses to determine the cause and any necessary preventive measures.
The incident underscores the importance of stringent safety measures at busy airports like Indira Gandhi International, which handles a high volume of domestic and international flights daily. Both airlines are cooperating with authorities to ensure a swift resolution and minimal disruption to operations.
