Mumbai: In a startling incident at Mumbai airport yesterday, passengers experienced a tense moment as an IndiGo aircraft narrowly avoided a collision with an Air India jet on the same runway. The critical event occurred when the IndiGo plane landed while the Air India aircraft was simultaneously taking off.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) responded swiftly by initiating a comprehensive investigation and suspending the Air Traffic Control (ATC) official responsible for the oversight. This immediate action underscores the severity of the incident and the regulatory body’s commitment to aviation safety. A video, which quickly went viral on social media, captured the alarming scene. It showed both aircraft on the same runway, with the Air India jet in the process of ascending and the IndiGo flight descending. This visual evidence has intensified the call for stringent safety measures and improved ATC protocols.
IndiGo issued a statement clarifying that the pilot of flight 6E 6053 from Indore to Mumbai adhered strictly to ATC instructions. The airline highlighted its unwavering commitment to passenger safety, stating, “At IndiGo, passenger safety is paramount, and we have reported the incident in accordance with regulatory procedures.”
The DGCA’s investigation will focus on identifying lapses in protocol and communication that led to this near-miss. Aviation experts have raised concerns over the incident, stressing the need for rigorous safety regulations and enhanced training for ATC personnel. This incident also brings to light the pressures faced by ATC staff, who must make quick and precise decisions in high-stress environments. The event has sparked a broader discussion on the operational capacities of Mumbai Airport, one of India’s busiest. The airport’s ability to handle high traffic volumes effectively and safely is under scrutiny, and this incident highlights the need for robust infrastructure and operational protocols.
While the DGCA’s prompt response is commendable, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of maintaining rigorous safety standards in aviation. The aviation community will closely follow the investigation’s outcomes and the subsequent measures implemented to prevent such breaches in the future.
