Air India, IndiGo A320s clip wings during taxi at Mumbai Airport

Dhaka: Wings of an Air India A320 and an IndiGo A320 scraped against each other while taxiing at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport on Tuesday, February 3.

The incident involved Air India flight AI2732, scheduled to operate from Mumbai to Coimbatore, and IndiGo flight 6E791, which had arrived from Hyderabad. Both aircraft were moving slowly on the taxiway when their right wingtips came into contact.

India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), said Air India’s A320, registered as VT-TYF, was taxiing from taxiway C1 toward M4 for departure. At the same time, IndiGo’s A320, registered as VT-IFV, was taxiing after arrival and joining taxiway B1.

“During taxiing, the right wingtips of both aircraft came into contact. Both aircraft were moving at the time of the incident,” the DGCA said in a statement. Following the contact, both jets returned to their respective bays for inspection.

Air India confirmed the incident, saying the aircraft scheduled to operate flight AI2732 was delayed after coming into contact with another airline’s aircraft while waiting on the taxiway prior to takeoff. The carrier said the wingtip sustained damage, and the aircraft was grounded for technical checks.

Passengers on the Air India flight were asked to disembark, and alternate arrangements were made for their onward journey, the airline added.

IndiGo also acknowledged the occurrence, stating that the wingtip of its aircraft operating flight 6E791 made contact with another airline’s aircraft while taxiing after landing. All passengers were reported safe and disembarked after the aircraft was parked.

Both aircraft remain out of service pending maintenance inspections. The DGCA said it is reviewing the incident to determine the contributing factors and ensure adherence to standard taxiing procedures.

V