India’s Delhi airport averted major disaster as two jets come face-to-face

The Indira Gandhi International airport in the Indian capital city Delhi averted a major disaster as two flights from IndiGo and SpiceJetcame face-to-face while taxiing on the same runway on Tuesday, 27th December.

The SpiceJet SG 123 was destined to reach India's Hyderabad from Delhi and at the time of the incident, the pilot was following the instruction of the air traffic control of Delhi Airport. On the other hand, the IndiGo flight 6E-769 was coming to the Delhi airport from the Indian city Lucknow.

According to a spokesperson from SpiceJet, while taxiing, the SpiceJet crew observed another aircraft on the same taxiway in the opposite direction. He also added that as the crew found the other jet; they stopped the flight at once and informed the air traffic controller (ATC) of the airport.

None of the passengers or crew members of the SpiceJet flight was injured and the airline informed that all concerned authorities were informed later by the airline. The aircraft was also intact after the incident.

IndiGo later issued a formal statement that said while taxiing the jet following the instructions of the ATC at Delhi airport, the crew observed the SpiceJet flight in front of them.

The spokesperson for IndiGo informed that following the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), the Captain -in-Command took the decision of switching off the engine and reported the incident to ATC and there was no unfortunate incident or close shave-off as reported by a section of media.

The IndiGo airline also informed that all the 176 passengers and the crew members were safe after the incident. The spokesperson added that as an airline they rely upon ATC's traffic advisory and ensure to comply with their instructions.

After the incident, authorities of IndiGo voluntarily informed the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) so that they can look into the matter to ensure the safety of the passengers and the crew members.

sourced:traveldailynews.asia