New Delhi: A minor collision between two commercial aircraft was reported at the Delhi airport on Thursday afternoon when a SpiceJet plane struck a stationary Akasa Air aircraft while taxiing. No injuries were reported in the incident.
How the Incident Occurred
According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the incident took place around 2:15 pm when a SpiceJet Boeing 737-700 (VT-SLB), arriving from Leh as flight SG-124, was taxiing towards its designated parking bay at Terminal 1.
During the maneuver, the aircraft’s right winglet came into contact with the horizontal tail surface of an Akasa Air Boeing 737, which was positioned on the apron after pushback for its scheduled Delhi–Hyderabad flight (QP-1406).
Damage to Both Aircraft
The collision resulted in damage to:
- The right winglet of the SpiceJet aircraft
- The horizontal stabilizer (tail section) of the Akasa Air aircraft
Officials confirmed that both aircraft have been grounded following the incident.
No Injuries, Passengers Safe
Akasa Air stated that all passengers and crew were safely disembarked. The airline is arranging alternative travel for affected passengers to Hyderabad at the earliest.
DGCA Takes Action
The DGCA has initiated a detailed investigation into the incident. As a precautionary step:
- The SpiceJet pilots involved have been de-rostered
- The concerned Air Traffic Control (ATC) officer has also been taken off duty pending inquiry
Safety Under Scrutiny
The aviation regulator emphasised that standard protocols are being followed and the incident is under thorough investigation to determine the exact cause.
Akasa Air reiterated that passenger safety remains its top priority and confirmed that all necessary authorities have been informed.
