A collision between two aircrafts on the runway of a busy airport was narrowly avoided as one plane took off and another landed. The incident involved Air India and IndiGo aircraft, both using the airport’s single runway at the same time on Saturday.
Video footage captured the heart-stopping event, showing an Air India flight from Mumbai to Trivandrum accelerating for takeoff just as an IndiGo flight from Indore was about to touch the tarmac.
Mumbai Airport, with its single runway, handles around 46 departures and arrivals per hour.
In India, air traffic controllers can authorise up to two departures and two arrivals within a three-minute window, although this interval can be shortened if visibility conditions are favourable.
India’s aviation authority, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has launched an investigation into the near-miss and has suspended the air traffic controller who was on duty during the incident.
“We are conducting a probe and have already de-rostered the ATCO involved in the incident,” a DGCA spokesperson said. Both airlines are also conducting their own investigations into the incident.
An Air India spokesperson told local media: “AI657 from Mumbai to Trivandrum was on take-off roll on June 8. The Air India aircraft was cleared by Air Traffic Control to enter the runway and subsequently cleared for take-off.
“The Air India aircraft continued with the take-off roll in accordance with laid down procedures. An investigation has been initiated by the authorities to find out more about the clearance given to the airlines.”
Meanwhile, an IndiGo spokesperson commented: “On June 8, IndiGo flight 6E 6053 from Indore was given landing clearance by ATC at Mumbai Airport.
“The Pilot in command continued the approach and landing and followed ATC instructions.”
