In a frightening incident at Mumbai airport, hundreds of passengers narrowly escaped a potential disaster when an IndiGo aircraft landed on the same runway from which an Air India jet was taking off. The close call occurred yesterday and has prompted an immediate investigation by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), which has also derostered an Air Traffic Control (ATC) official.
Yesterday in Mumbai, an Air India and IndiGo flight experienced a loss of separation when the Air India flight was cleared to depart and the IndiGo flight cleared to land. Here’s what the ADS-B data tells us about the proximity of the aircraft. https://t.co/ynhwr1pCLw pic.twitter.com/O1ccRpJn39
— Flightradar24 (@flightradar24) June 9, 2024
A video circulating on social media captures the tense moment, showing both planes on the same runway. Shortly after the Air India jet lifts off, the IndiGo plane lands. According to Flightradar, a flight tracking site, the two aircraft were a mere 509 meters apart at one point.
IndiGo released a statement emphasizing that their pilot followed ATC instructions. “On June 8, 2024, IndiGo flight 6E 6053 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.
Air India also confirmed that their plane received clearance from ATC. “AI657 from Mumbai to Trivandrum was on take-off roll on June 8. The Air India aircraft was cleared by Air Traffic Control to enter the runway and subsequently cleared for take-off. The Air India aircraft continued with the take-off 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,” Air India noted in their statement.
NDTV reports that the DGCA is actively probing the incident to determine how the clearance was granted, ensuring measures are taken to prevent such near-misses in the future.
