DGCA begins probe into taxiway mix-up at Ahmedabad airport

Ahmedabad: Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) launched an investigation after an Air India aircraft made a wrong turn while taxiing at Ahmedabad airport, resulting in an IndiGo plane preparing for departure being stopped on the same taxiway on Wednesday evening.According to the aviation regulator, Air India flight AI2493 from Mumbai landed on Runway 23 at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 6.30pm on June 24. After vacating the runway through Taxiway C, the aircraft was instructed to proceed to the international apron via Taxiways P and G.However, instead of turning right onto Taxiway G, the aircraft continued along Taxiway P. The crew realised the error and brought the aircraft to a halt after travelling about 50 metres beyond the designated turn, sources said.At the same time, IndiGo flight 6E-5160 to Mumbai was taxiing on Taxiway P for departure. Following instructions from air traffic control, the IndiGo crew also stopped the aircraft.Airport sources told TOI that the two aircraft were approximately 200 metres apart. “Air traffic controllers immediately instructed both crews to stop, eliminating any potential risk. The Air India aircraft was later towed to its assigned parking bay, after which normal operations resumed.

The IndiGo flight departed 20 minutes late,” a source said.The DGCA has ordered an inquiry into the incident in which both aircraft involved were Airbus A320-family narrow-body jets.In a statement, Air India said, “After landing, the aircraft inadvertently took an incorrect turn while taxiing. There was no compromise to the safety of passengers or crew. The aircraft was subsequently towed back to the parking bay.”IndiGo said, “IndiGo flight 6E-5160 was briefly delayed during taxi-out for departure after an aircraft of another airline inadvertently made an incorrect turn and came into its path. Both aircraft stopped at a safe distance from each other,” the airline stated.