DGCA Probes SpiceJet–Akasa Air Aircraft Contact In Delhi

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation initiated a detailed probe after a ground incident involving SpiceJet and Akasa Air aircraft at Indira Gandhi International Airport.

The episode unfolded near bay 106 at Terminal 1 when a SpiceJet B737-700 operating from Leh to Delhi came into contact with an Akasa Air B737 MAX 8 scheduled for a Delhi–Hyderabad flight.

While taxiing, the SpiceJet aircraft’s right winglet hit the left horizontal stabiliser of the Akasa Air plane. The impact caused damage to both aircraft, prompting authorities to ground them for checks and repairs, according to the Civil Aviation Ministry.

Preliminary inputs revealed that the Akasa Air aircraft had already been pushed back from bay 104 and positioned for engine start.

At the same time, the SpiceJet aircraft, stationed near bay 108, received clearance from air traffic control to proceed towards bay 106 after confirming safe separation.

“The SpiceJet aircraft, holding near bay No 108, was cleared by ATC to taxi to bay No 106 after the pilot confirmed separation from the Akasa aircraft. During the manoeuvre, the SpiceJet aircraft executed a turn without wing walker clearance, resulting in the contact,” according to an official statement.

Authorities removed the SpiceJet pilots and the concerned air traffic controller from duty until the investigation concludes.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation stated that it is closely tracking the developments and implementing measures to maintain safety and avoid recurrence.

“The Ministry of Civil Aviation is closely monitoring the situation and is taking all necessary steps to uphold safety standards and prevent recurrence,” said the statement.

Timeline and Sequence of Events

The incident took place at around 2:15 PM when the SpiceJet aircraft, arriving from Leh, moved towards its designated parking bay and struck the Akasa Air plane preparing for departure to Hyderabad.

Early reports indicated that the Akasa Air aircraft remained stationary when the contact occurred. An Akasa Air spokesperson confirmed that flight QP 1406 had to return to the bay following the incident.

“Akasa Air’s aircraft operating flight QP 1406 from Delhi to Hyderabad had to return to the bay on April 16. Preliminary information indicates that Akasa’s aircraft was stationary when another airline’s aircraft made contact with it,” said an Akasa Air spokesperson.

The airline ensured that all passengers and crew disembarked safely and arranged alternate flights to transport passengers to Hyderabad as soon as possible.

Authorities continue to examine the incident in detail to identify any procedural lapses and strengthen safety protocols to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

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