In a concerning aviation incident at one of India's busiest airports, two passenger aircraft operated by major carriers Air India and IndiGo experienced a wingtip grazing on the ground at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport on Tuesday. The incident occurred while both planes were carrying passengers, though fortunately all individuals onboard were confirmed safe by airline spokespersons.
Details of the Airport Incident
The collision occurred between Air India flight AI 2732, which was pushing back for its scheduled departure to Coimbatore, and IndiGo flight 6E 791, which was taxiing after arriving from Hyderabad. The precise extent of damage to both aircraft remains under assessment by aviation authorities and technical teams.
What is Wingtip Grazing?
A wingtip grazing incident occurs when the tip of one aircraft's wing makes contact with another aircraft or the ground surface. Such events typically happen during taxiing operations or low-level maneuvering at airports. These incidents can potentially result in structural damage to the wingtip or winglet components, often necessitating thorough maintenance and safety checks before the aircraft can return to service.
Air India's Official Statement
Confirming the incident, Air India released a detailed statement explaining that flight AI2732 operating from Mumbai to Coimbatore on February 3 was delayed after the aircraft scheduled for the service came into contact with another airline's aircraft while waiting on the taxiway prior to take-off.
The statement clarified: "The wingtips of the two aircraft made contact, resulting in damage to our aircraft's wingtip. As a precautionary measure, the aircraft has been grounded for further technical checks. All passengers were safely disembarked, and our ground teams are making alternative arrangements to fly them to their destination at the earliest."
Air India further confirmed that the incident has been formally reported to the relevant aviation regulator as per standard protocol.
IndiGo's Response and Position
IndiGo, which holds the position of India's largest airline by market share, also issued a statement regarding the incident. The airline confirmed that the wingtip of the aircraft operating flight 6E 791 from Hyderabad to Mumbai on February 3 came in contact with an aircraft of another airline while taxiing after landing.
An IndiGo spokesperson stated: "The aircraft is undergoing maintenance inspections. In line with established protocols, the relevant authorities were promptly informed and the matter is being investigated."
Regulatory Involvement and Investigation
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), India's primary civil aviation regulator, has been actively involved in the incident response. In an official statement, the DGCA confirmed: "Both the aircraft returned to bay for inspections."
Officers from the Mumbai office of DGCA have reached the airport site and are conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the wingtip grazing incident. This regulatory oversight ensures that all safety protocols were followed and helps determine any necessary corrective actions to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
The incident highlights the operational challenges at India's congested airports and underscores the importance of stringent safety measures during ground movements of aircraft. Both airlines have emphasized their commitment to passenger safety and regulatory compliance throughout their handling of this situation.
