New Delhi | A major aviation incident was narrowly avoided at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport on Thursday when a SpiceJet aircraft collided with a stationary Akasa Air plane during taxiing. The incident occurred during ground operations, raising fresh concerns over airport safety protocols and coordination on the tarmac.
According to initial reports, a SpiceJet Boeing 737-700 was taxiing within the controlled movement area when it came into contact with another aircraft that was parked at the time. The collision resulted in damage to both aircraft, although no injuries to passengers or crew have been reported so far.
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In an official statement, SpiceJet confirmed that a ground incident occurred involving one of its aircraft making contact with another plane during taxiing. The airline said the aircraft sustained damage to its right winglet, while the other aircraft also suffered impact damage. The affected aircraft has been grounded for further technical inspection.
Akasa Air also issued a separate statement confirming the incident, though it did not directly name the other airline involved. The airline said that one of its flights operating from Delhi to Hyderabad had to return to the bay after the aircraft, which was stationary at the time, was hit during ground movement operations.
The airline added that all passengers and crew were safely disembarked, and arrangements were being made to transport passengers to their destination through alternative flights. Akasa Air emphasized that passenger safety remains its top priority and that technical teams are assessing the extent of the damage.
Airport authorities have not yet issued a detailed official statement regarding the incident. However, preliminary information suggests that the collision took place on a taxiway, where aircraft movements are strictly controlled and guided by ground personnel and air traffic control instructions.
Aviation safety experts note that ground collisions, even at low speeds, are considered serious incidents as they can compromise aircraft integrity and operational safety. Following the event, both aircraft have been subjected to mandatory technical inspections before any return to service.
The incident also caused brief disruption in ground movement at the airport, though overall flight operations reportedly remained largely unaffected. Airlines have initiated contingency arrangements to minimize passenger inconvenience and ensure timely connectivity.
This event comes at a time when air traffic in India is rapidly increasing, placing additional pressure on airport infrastructure and ground handling systems. Industry experts have repeatedly emphasized the need for stronger coordination between air traffic control, ground staff, and airline operators to prevent such occurrences.
Both airlines are currently conducting internal reviews, while aviation authorities are expected to examine the incident in detail. The findings may lead to further recommendations aimed at strengthening safety protocols on airport taxiways and ramp areas.
The incident has once again highlighted the critical importance of ground safety procedures in aviation operations. With passenger safety at stake, all concerned agencies are closely monitoring the situation as investigations proceed.
