In a startling incident at Mumbai Airport on Saturday, two planes narrowly avoided a collision as one took off while the other landed on the same runway. The planes involved were operated by Air India and IndiGo, and the close call has prompted multiple investigations into the matter.
Footage from the airport shows the Air India plane, which was en route from Mumbai to Trivandrum, taking off as an IndiGo plane from Indore landed on the same runway. The single runway at Mumbai Airport handles around 46 departures and arrivals per hour. In India, air traffic controllers are permitted to clear up to two departures and two arrivals within three minutes, although this separation time can be reduced if visibility is sufficiently good.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), India’s aviation watchdog, has launched an investigation into the incident. A spokesperson for the DGCA confirmed that the air traffic controller on duty at the time has been suspended. “We are conducting a probe and have already de-rostered the ATCO involved in the incident,” the spokesperson said.
Both Air India and IndiGo are also conducting their own internal investigations. An Air India spokesperson explained that their flight AI657 was cleared for takeoff by Air Traffic Control (ATC) and continued with its takeoff roll according to standard procedures. “An investigation has been initiated by the authorities to find out more about the clearance given to the airlines,” the spokesperson added.
IndiGo’s spokesperson confirmed that their flight 6E 6053 from Indore had been given landing clearance by ATC at Mumbai Airport. “The Pilot in command continued the approach and landing and followed ATC instructions,” the spokesperson stated.
The near miss has raised concerns about aviation safety and the protocols in place at one of India’s busiest airports. The incident underscores the importance of stringent safety measures and effective communication between pilots and air traffic controllers to prevent such occurrences.
As the DGCA and the airlines continue their investigations, further details about the incident and any potential lapses in procedure are expected to emerge.