Air India Express has taken swift disciplinary action against one of its pilots following a serious safety incident at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport. The airline has issued a formal show-cause notice to the pilot-in-command and announced the formation of an external inquiry committee to investigate the matter thoroughly.
Details of the Delhi Airport Taxiway Incident
The event unfolded on a recent Thursday when an Air India Express aircraft, operating a flight, mistakenly entered an active taxiway where another aircraft was preparing for departure. This breach of standard operating procedure created a potential collision risk, prompting immediate concern from air traffic control. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), India's aviation regulator, was promptly notified and has launched its own investigation into the lapse.
The incident involved flight IX 540, which had arrived from Bengaluru. After landing on runway 29R, the aircraft was instructed by air traffic control (ATC) to vacate the runway via taxiway N9. However, the pilot instead took a turn onto taxiway N8, which was active at that time. Another aircraft, identified as a VT-IJJ aircraft, was on this taxiway and was in the process of lining up for takeoff, leading to the dangerous situation.
Airline's Response and Regulatory Scrutiny
In response to the serious safety violation, Air India Express management acted decisively. The pilot responsible for controlling the aircraft has been served a show-cause notice, demanding an explanation for the deviation from ATC instructions. Concurrently, the airline is establishing an external inquiry panel to conduct an independent review of the events and the crew's actions. This move underscores the carrier's commitment to stringent safety protocols.
The DGCA's probe is currently ongoing. Regulators are examining all aspects, including cockpit communications, ATC recordings, and the crew's adherence to procedures. Findings from this investigation could lead to further administrative or punitive action against the involved personnel, depending on the severity of the lapses identified.
Emphasis on Aviation Safety and Procedures
This incident at one of India's busiest airports highlights the critical importance of unwavering adherence to safety protocols in aviation. Taxiway incursions are classified as major safety concerns globally because they can lead to catastrophic outcomes. The swift actions by both the airline and the regulator reflect the high-priority nature of such events.
Air India Express has reiterated its zero-tolerance policy towards any compromise on safety. The outcomes of the external inquiry and the DGCA's investigation are awaited, and they will likely result in reinforced training or procedural changes to prevent a recurrence. The aviation community will be closely watching the conclusions to ensure such breaches are minimized at Indian airports.
