Minor Collision Between Akasa Air and SpiceJet Aircraft at Delhi Airport

A minor collision occurred at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi involving an aircraft from Akasa Air and another from SpiceJet. The incident took place around 2.15 pm near Terminal 1 while the Akasa Air flight, designated QP-1406, was taxiing out for a journey to Hyderabad. The SpiceJet flight, SG-124, was arriving from Leh and was in the process of taxiing towards its designated stand.

Following the collision, which involved the SpiceJet aircraft striking the horizontal tail surface of the Akasa Air plane, both airlines reported damage to their aircraft. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed that the right-hand winglet of the SpiceJet flight had been damaged, along with the horizontal tail surface of the Akasa plane, which was stationary on the apron, having just completed pushback for its flight.

In the aftermath of the incident, the DGCA stated that both the air traffic control officer and the pilots of the SpiceJet flight involved were de-rostered as part of the investigation process.

Passengers aboard the Akasa Air flight were safely disembarked following the collision. An Akasa Air spokesperson confirmed that the aircraft had to return to the gate following the incident and all safety procedures were followed. The airline stated, "Akasa Air’s aircraft was stationary when another airline’s aircraft made contact with it. We are making alternative arrangements to ensure passengers reach their destination soon."

The DGCA is conducting an investigation into the matter, gathering relevant information from all parties involved. This incident marks the second such occurrence in recent months at Indian airports. In February, a similar minor collision transpired between an Air India and an IndiGo aircraft at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport. In that instance, the wing tips of both aircraft made contact while one was pushing back from the gate and the other was taxiing. Although no injuries were reported, both incidents highlight ongoing concerns regarding safety at airport taxiing procedures.

In both incidents, no injuries were reported, and all passengers were safely removed from the aircraft involved. Airlines are currently examining protocols and procedures to prevent such occurrences in the future.