SpiceJet Hits Akasa Plane at Delhi Airport
SpiceJet Plane Hits Akasa Aircraft at Delhi Airport
A SpiceJet aircraft made contact with an Akasa Air plane at Delhi airport on April 16 in a ground incident that damaged parts of both aircraft and disrupted flight operations. No injuries were reported, but the incident has triggered a regulatory investigation and raised fresh concerns over apron and taxiway safety at one of India’s busiest airports.
Delhi Airport Plane Collision Details
The incident took place at Terminal 1 when a SpiceJet Boeing 737-700 was taxiing toward its allocated parking bay after arriving from Leh. At the same time, an Akasa Air Boeing 737 was positioned on the apron after pushback for its Delhi to Hyderabad flight. During the movement, the winglet of the SpiceJet aircraft struck the horizontal tail surface of the Akasa plane, causing visible damage.
SpiceJet and Akasa Air Statements
Both airlines confirmed the incident in separate statements. SpiceJet said its aircraft suffered damage to the right winglet and that the plane was grounded following the occurrence. Akasa Air said its aircraft was stationary when contact was made and added that all passengers and crew were safely disembarked. The airline also began arranging alternative travel for passengers booked on the affected Hyderabad service.
DGCA Probe Into Ground Safety Incident
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has launched an investigation into the collision. The regulator said the concerned air traffic control officer and the SpiceJet pilots involved have been taken off roster pending further inquiry. The case is likely to focus on aircraft movement coordination, apron safety procedures and whether any communication or ground-handling lapse contributed to the contact between the two planes.
