Early Wednesday morning, a taxiing SpiceJet Boeing 737-800 aircraft collided with a stationary Akasa Air Boeing 737 MAX at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport in Delhi. The incident occurred on a taxiway while the SpiceJet plane was preparing for departure. No injuries were reported among passengers or crew on either aircraft, though both flights were subsequently grounded.

The SpiceJet aircraft, bearing registration VT-SLA, was operating flight SG-8363 from Delhi to Hyderabad. As it taxied towards the runway, its right wingtip made contact with the stationary left wingtip of the Akasa Air aircraft, registered as VT-YAF. The Akasa Air plane was parked at an airport stand, preparing for its scheduled flight QP-1135 to Pune, and was reportedly empty of passengers at the time of impact. The collision resulted in minor damage to the wingtips of both aircraft.

Following the incident, passengers aboard the SpiceJet flight were deplaned and subsequently accommodated on alternative flights to their destination. Akasa Air confirmed that its aircraft was stationary at a parking stand when the event occurred. Both airlines confirmed the incident and stated their cooperation with regulatory bodies.

Key Details of the Incident:

  • Date and Time: Early morning hours of Wednesday, May 22, 2024.
  • Location: Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport, Delhi, on a taxiway.
  • Aircraft Involved:
    • SpiceJet Boeing 737-800 (Registration VT-SLA), operating flight SG-8363 (Delhi-Hyderabad).
    • Akasa Air Boeing 737 MAX (Registration VT-YAF), designated for flight QP-1135 (Delhi-Pune).
  • Nature of Collision: SpiceJet's right wingtip struck Akasa Air's left wingtip.
  • Damage: Minor damage to the wingtips of both aircraft.
  • Casualties: No injuries reported.
  • Operational Impact: Both flights were grounded, and passengers were re-accommodated.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has initiated a formal investigation into the ground incident. Preliminary actions include the de-rostering of the flight crew involved in the SpiceJet operation, pending the outcome of the inquiry. The investigation will focus on determining the precise sequence of events, evaluating air traffic control directives, ground handling procedures, and adherence to standard operating procedures by the flight crew.

Ground incidents, while typically less severe than in-flight mishaps, are a significant concern for aviation safety regulators globally. Such events underscore the critical importance of strict adherence to taxiing protocols, effective communication between pilots and air traffic controllers, and clear ground markings and instructions at busy airports like IGI. The DGCA has previously emphasized the need for enhanced vigilance in ground operations to prevent such occurrences.

The ongoing investigation by the DGCA is expected to provide a comprehensive understanding of the factors contributing to the collision. Based on its findings, the regulatory body may issue new safety advisories, recommend procedural changes, or take further enforcement actions to enhance ground safety protocols at Indian airports. Both airlines are cooperating fully with the investigative process, and a detailed report is anticipated upon completion of the inquiry. Normal operations at IGI Airport were not significantly disrupted beyond the immediate area of the incident.