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Air India, IndiGo aircraft suffer wing collision on ground at Mumbai airport
An overview of recent safety incidents involving airlines at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, including ground collisions and runway incidents, with details on the current status and safety measures.
Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport has experienced several safety incidents involving different airlines over the past few years. These incidents have highlighted the importance of aviation safety practices and effective communication between pilots and air traffic control. Understanding these events helps us see the ongoing efforts to keep air travel safe.
Key Highlights
- Two airlines, Air India and IndiGo, were involved in a minor ground collision at the airport, where their aircraft brushed against each other while taxiing.
- On June 8, 2024, two other aircraft, one from IndiGo and one from Air India, experienced a loss of separation on the runway. This happened when one plane was cleared to land and the other to take off at the same time.
- Later on June 8, 2024, an incident occurred where an Air India aircraft was cleared to enter the runway for takeoff, and an IndiGo aircraft was cleared to land on the same runway. Both airlines reported that they followed the instructions given by air traffic control.
- An IndiGo Airbus A321 aircraft had an incident on August 16, 2025, when its tail struck the runway during a low-altitude go-around due to bad weather. Fortunately, the aircraft landed safely during the subsequent attempt.
Current Status
Regarding the recent incidents, there is no official confirmation of any wing collision involving Air India and IndiGo aircraft on the ground at Mumbai Airport. The airline companies involved have stated that they followed all instructions from air traffic control during these events. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation, India’s aviation safety authority, has launched investigations into the June 8, 2024, runway incident and the August 2025 incident involving the IndiGo aircraft.
The investigations are ongoing, and authorities are reviewing the circumstances surrounding these events. The goal is to ensure that safety protocols are strictly followed and to prevent similar incidents in the future. The fact that no injuries were reported in any of these incidents is a positive sign, but it also emphasizes the importance of continuous safety oversight.
Why It Matters
These incidents become significant because they involve busy Mumbai Airport, a major hub in India. When aircraft come too close on the ground or on the runway, it can pose safety risks to passengers, crew, and airport staff. Although no injuries have been reported so far, these events remind us of the importance of strict safety measures in aviation.
Ensuring that aircraft follow proper procedures and that ground crew and air traffic controllers coordinate effectively is crucial. Investigations by safety authorities help identify any mistakes or weaknesses, and corrective actions can be taken to improve safety standards.
The aviation industry continually works to update safety rules and training to manage such risks. These recent incidents highlight the need for ongoing vigilance and improvements in airport traffic management to keep all flights secure.
Important Numbers and Dates
- The first incident involved a minor ground collision between an Air India and an IndiGo aircraft. No injuries were reported.
- On June 8, 2024, two separate incidents involved both airlines at Mumbai Airport, prompting investigations.
- The IndiGo aircraft tail-strike incident occurred on August 16, 2025, due to weather conditions during a go-around.
- As of 2026, there has been no official confirmation of wing collisions between the airlines involved.
Official Position
The airline companies involved have stated that they followed the instructions provided by air traffic control during the incidents. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has confirmed that investigations are underway to assess the circumstances and improve safety protocols. These steps are essential to maintaining the safety of all flights operating at Mumbai Airport.
In summary, while these incidents at Mumbai Airport highlight some safety challenges, ongoing investigations and safety measures aim to prevent future occurrences. Maintaining rigorous safety standards is critical for protecting passengers, crew, and airport staff, ensuring that air travel remains safe and reliable for everyone.