A major accident was narrowly avoided at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport when two flights came dangerously close on the runway. A viral video captured the incident, showing one flight landing while another was taking off from the same runway. On Saturday, two Airbus A320neos, one from IndiGo and the other from Air India, almost collided, leading to immediate action from the country’s aviation regulator.
The IndiGo Airbus A320-200N, with registration VT-ISV, was performing flight 6E-5053 from Indore to Mumbai. The aircraft received clearance to land on runway 27 at Mumbai. Meanwhile, an Air India Airbus A320-200N, with registration VT-RTS, was preparing for takeoff on the same runway, performing flight AI-657 from Mumbai to Thiruvananthapuram.
According to ADS-B Data, the IndiGo flight was about 1.75 nautical miles from the runway threshold and approximately 600 feet above ground level when the Air India aircraft entered the runway at 12:44 AM. The Air India aircraft lined up with the runway centerline and began accelerating at 12:45 AM. The Air India Airbus became airborne just before the IndiGo flight touched down, with a remaining horizontal distance of about 0.35 nautical miles, approximately 650 meters.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed on Sunday that it had “derostered” the air traffic control (ATC) staff who were overseeing operations at the time of the incident. An investigation has been initiated to understand the clearance given to both aircraft.
Statements from the Airlines
IndiGo reported that their flight 6E-5053 had received landing clearance and complied with ATC instructions. “On June 8, 2024, IndiGo flight 6E 5053 from Indore was given landing clearance by ATC at Mumbai Airport. The Pilot in Command continued the approach and landing and followed ATC instructions. At IndiGo, passenger safety is paramount to us, and we have reported the incident as per procedure,” the airline stated.
Similarly, Air India confirmed that ATC had cleared its flight AI-657 for takeoff. “AI657 from Mumbai to Thiruvananthapuram was on takeoff roll on June 8. The Air India aircraft was cleared by Air Traffic Control to enter the runway and subsequently cleared for takeoff. The Air India aircraft continued with the takeoff movement in accordance with laid down procedures. An investigation has been initiated by the authorities to find out more on the clearance given to the airlines,” the statement read.
Investigation and Safety Measures
The viral video of this close call has sparked numerous discussions on social media regarding whether the fault lies with the pilots or the ATC. Some people believe that the ATC staff should face severe penalties for endangering passengers’ lives.Both airlines have assured that they followed standard procedures and complied with ATC instructions. The investigation aims to provide clarity and ensure that such incidents do not occur in the future.
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