Close Call at Mumbai Airport: Air India and IndiGo Planes Collide on Tarmac, Passengers Safe

Mumbai, February 4 (TNA) A major aviation mishap was averted at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport on Monday when the wingtips of an Air India and an IndiGo aircraft collided on the taxiway, both carrying passengers at the time. No injuries were reported, but the incident disrupted operations briefly and highlighted ground handling risks at one of India's busiest airports.

The collision occurred as Air India Flight AI 2732, bound for Coimbatore, was undergoing pushback ahead of takeoff. Simultaneously, IndiGo Flight 6E 791, which had just arrived from Hyderabad post-landing, was taxiing on the same taxiway. Their wingtips made contact, damaging the Air India aircraft's wingtip, according to Air India's official statement.

Air India confirmed the plane was grounded for technical inspection as a precaution, with all passengers safely deboarded and alternative arrangements underway. The airline apologised for the inconvenience, reaffirming passenger and crew safety as its top priority, and notified aviation regulators, including DGCA. IndiGo had passengers on board but has not issued a detailed statement yet; sources indicate minor damage to both aircraft. Airport operations faced temporary halts.

Authorities are probing whether human error in ground movement or a technical glitch caused the taxiway collision, underscoring the critical need for robust traffic management at congested hubs like Mumbai. This follows similar ground incidents globally, prompting calls for enhanced protocols.