Ground incident involving SpiceJet and Akasa aircraft at IGI Airport; DGCA initiates inquiry

A ground incident occurred today at IGI Airport, New Delhi, involving a SpiceJet B737-700 aircraft (SG-124, Leh-Delhi) and an Akasa Air B737 MAX 8 aircraft (QP-1406, Delhi-Hyderabad) near bay No. 106 at Terminal 1. During taxiing, the right winglet of the SpiceJet aircraft came into contact with the left horizontal stabilizer of the Akasa aircraft. Both aircraft sustained damage and have been grounded for inspection and rectification.

As per initial information, the Akasa Air aircraft had been pushed back from bay No. 104 and was positioned for engine start. The SpiceJet aircraft, holding near bay No. 108, was cleared by ATC to taxi to bay No. 106 after the pilot confirmed separation from the Akasa aircraft. During the manoeuvre, the SpiceJet aircraft executed a turn without wing walker clearance, resulting in the contact.

The DGCA initiated an investigation, including examination of ground handling aspects. Pending inquiry, the pilots of the SpiceJet aircraft and the concerned Air Traffic Control officer have been taken off duty.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation is closely monitoring the situation and is taking all necessary steps to uphold safety standards and prevent recurrence.

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Divyanshu Kumar