Ground Collision at IGI: SpiceJet Wing Clips Stationary Akasa Air Plane

NEW DELHI – A significant ground mishap occurred at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) on Thursday when a taxiing SpiceJet aircraft collided with a stationary Akasa Air plane. The incident, which took place on the taxiway, resulted in structural damage to both aircraft and forced an emergency grounding for technical inspections.

The collision caused an immediate disruption to flight schedules, specifically affecting Akasa Air’s service to Hyderabad. While the impact caused visible damage to the wings and stabilizers of the Boeing 737 vessels involved, airport officials confirmed that no injuries were reported among passengers or crew members.

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Collision on the Taxiway: How it Happened

The incident occurred during a routine taxiing maneuver, highlighting the complexities of ground traffic management at India’s busiest airport.

The Impact: A SpiceJet Boeing 737-700 was taxiing toward its designated area when its right winglet struck the left-hand horizontal stabilizer of the Akasa Air aircraft.
Stationary Target: Akasa Air confirmed that its plane was completely stationary at the time of the strike, awaiting clearance for its next move.

Immediate Grounding: Following the contact, both aircraft were immediately ordered to return to their respective bays for a full safety assessment

Impact on Akasa Air Flight QP 1406

The collision caused a major delay for passengers traveling from the national capital to Telangana.

Flight Status: The aircraft was scheduled to operate flight QP 1406 from Delhi to Hyderabad.
Passenger Safety: All passengers and crew were safely disembarked at the gate. Akasa Air’s ground teams were deployed to arrange alternative flights to ensure passengers reached their destination with minimal further delay.
Technical Evaluation: The horizontal stabilizer—a critical component for aircraft balance and pitch control—sustained damage that requires comprehensive repair before the plane can return to service.

SpiceJet’s Technical Response

SpiceJet has initiated an internal review alongside the mandatory regulatory investigation.

Aircraft Details: The involved B737-700 winglet sustained damage upon impact. The winglet is essential for reducing drag and improving fuel efficiency.
Spokesperson Statement: “The aircraft has been grounded in Delhi for detailed inspection and necessary repairs,” a SpiceJet representative stated, confirming that the airline is cooperating fully with airport authorities.

Safety Protocols and Regulatory Investigation

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is expected to launch a formal probe into the ground movement protocols at IGI.

Ground Control Review: Investigators will examine the communication between the Air Traffic Control (ATC) and the SpiceJet cockpit to determine if there was a lapse in guidance or visual clearance.
Airport Congestion: The incident brings renewed focus on taxiway safety during peak hours at Delhi airport, where hundreds of ground movements occur daily.

Financial and Operational Fallout

Beyond the immediate repairs, such incidents carry heavy costs for the airlines involved.

Repair Costs: Both winglets and horizontal stabilizers are high-precision components; repairs and safety certifications could take several days.
Fleet Management: With both planes grounded, both SpiceJet and Akasa Air may face short-term fleet constraints, potentially leading to further cancellations or the leasing of “wet-lease” aircraft to cover the gap.

Author: M Jyosri

india

Delhi

Delhi Airport