India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), is investigating a serious separation incident that occurred at Mumbai, India on 8 June 2024.
The incident involved a potential loss of separation between an Air India flight departing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport for Trivandrum and an IndiGo flight arriving from Indore.
Loss of Separation Incident Mumbai
According to initial reports, both aircraft, Airbus A320 models, were cleared to operate on runway 27R. Air India flight AI657 had been cleared for takeoff, while the IndiGo flight 6E6053 had received landing clearance.
Video footage circulating online appears to show the IndiGo aircraft landing very shortly after the Air India aircraft was in early stages of departure.
Fortunately, no injuries or collision have been reported. The DGCA has taken swift action following the runway event. It has now de-rostered the Air Traffic Controller (ATC) who was on duty at the time of the incident.
The Indigo and Air India close call event is now the subject of an investigation.
Both Air India and IndiGo have now released statements indicating they are cooperating fully with the investigation. Both carrier have indicated that their flights had followed ATC instructions.
Air India and IndiGo Confirm ATC Clearances
Air India have confirmed that its aircraft had been cleared to enter the active runway. The flight was subsequently given take off clearance by ATS.
IndiGo has similarly confirmed that its flight had received a landing clearance from ATC for the active runway 27R.
The video footage shows that the Air India A320 had rotated and become airborne as the IndiGo flight touched down.
The DGCA is expected to release a detailed report on the cause of the Indigo and Air India close call incident once the investigation concludes.
This event highlights the critical role of proper air traffic control procedures and communication in ensuring aviation safety.
Click the banner to subscribe to our weekly Emergencies and Incidents newsletter.
Click the photo to join our WhatsApp channel so then you can stay up to date with everything going on in the aviation industry!
