India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, has launched a formal investigation into a ground collision involving aircraft operated by SpiceJet and Akasa Air at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport. The incident, which resulted in visible damage to both aircraft, prompted immediate action, including the de-rostering of the SpiceJet pilot and an air traffic controller (ATC).
As reported by LiveMint, the DGCA is examining operational lapses, communication breakdowns, and adherence to ground movement protocols. The event has once again spotlighted safety oversight in high-density airport environments.
The collision occurred during a ground movement at Indira Gandhi International Airport, which is one of the busiest aviation facilities in India, with more than 1,300 aircraft movements per day.
A SpiceJet Boeing 737-700, arriving from Leh, was taxiing across the runway. At the same time, an Akasa Air aircraft was stationary on the taxiway, preparing to depart for Hyderabad. The SpiceJet aircraft made contact with the Akasa plane. The collision caused visible damage to SpiceJet's right winglet. Akasa Air's left horizontal stabiliser also took a hit. Both aircraft were immediately grounded at Delhi airport
Although there were no injuries reported to passengers, both planes were damaged structurally and had to undergo a check-up and possible repairs. According to the standard procedure, the DGCA has started to conduct a comprehensive technical inspection, with cockpit voice recordings and ATC communication logs.
The reaction of the DGCA has been prompt, showcasing the seriousness of the event. According to LiveMint, the SpiceJet pilot, as well as the air traffic controller in question, have been de-rostered awaiting investigation.
According to the norms of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), such incidents are identified as “ground collisions,” requiring a full safety audit. The regulator will likely evaluate the adherence to the compliance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), such as taxi clearances, situational awareness, and the use of ground radar.
The large traffic density in Delhi airport makes ground operations more complex. According to data provided by the International Air Transport Association, the aviation traffic of India is increasing at an average of more than 8 percent per year, which puts a strain on the airport infrastructure.
Ground collisions, although not as common as in-flight accidents, are usually caused by human factors like miscommunication or misjudgment of the situation. Other incidents around the world, according to Reuters, have led to the adoption of more sophisticated ground surveillance and AI-controlled traffic management.
Post the incident, Akasa Air, in an official statement, confirmed that ground teams had arranged alternative flights for passengers headed to Hyderabad.
India’s aviation sector is projected to become the third-largest globally by passenger traffic, with over 400 million passengers annually by 2030, according to IATA estimates. Incidents like the IGI collision highlight the critical importance of robust ground safety mechanisms as traffic volumes surge.
The DGCA’s findings will likely influence future regulatory directives, including enhanced training protocols and technological upgrades. As the industry scales, maintaining operational discipline on the ground will be as crucial as safety in the skies.
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