The Aryavarth Express
Agency(Kolkata): The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has taken swift action following an incident at Kolkata Airport where an IndiGo A320 VT-ISS plane collided with a stationary Air India Express 737 VT-TGG aircraft while taxiing. The aviation regulator has off-rostered the pilots of the IndiGo Airlines and ordered a comprehensive investigation into the matter.
A senior DGCA official informed that both pilots of the IndiGo plane have been removed from duty, and the ground staff will also be questioned during the investigation. The official stated, “We have ordered a detailed investigation into the matter and both the pilots of IndiGo airlines have been off-rostered. The ground staff will also be questioned during the investigation. Both the flights have been grounded for detailed inspection.”
An Air India Express spokesperson provided further details about the incident, stating, “The wingtip of a taxiing aircraft of another airline grazed one of our aircraft, which was stationary and awaiting clearance to enter the runway at Kolkata for a scheduled operation to Chennai. The aircraft has since returned to the bay and further investigation is underway, for which we are coordinating with the regulator and airport authorities. We apologise for the inconvenience caused to guests due to external circumstances.”
The incident has prompted the DGCA to take immediate action to ensure the safety of passengers and aircraft. By off-rostering the pilots and launching a detailed investigation, the regulator aims to determine the cause of the incident and implement necessary measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
The grounding of both aircraft involved in the incident will allow for a thorough inspection to assess any potential damage and ensure their airworthiness before they are cleared for further operations.