A parked IndiGo aircraft was grounded on Tuesday evening after an unmanned catering vehicle rolled across the tarmac and collided with its engine at one of India's busiest airports. The incident occurred at approximately 9:30 pm at parking bay 51 of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata, where the stationary plane was awaiting its scheduled departure.
Initial Damage Assessment and Response
While visible damage appeared limited initially, engineers have commenced detailed inspections to determine the full extent of the impact. In an official statement, IndiGo confirmed that "a third-party unmanned vehicle on the apron moved and came in contact with a parked IndiGo aircraft." The airline emphasized its commitment to collaborate with authorities in investigating the incident.
Flight Disruption and Alternate Arrangements
The affected aircraft was scheduled to operate flight 6E 6663 from Kolkata to Guwahati. IndiGo promptly arranged an alternate aircraft to operate this service, minimizing disruption for passengers. The airline confirmed the aircraft has been grounded for comprehensive inspection and maintenance before returning to service.
Safety Concerns and Investigation
Authorities are now examining potential lapses in ground safety procedures, as it remains unclear how the vehicle began moving without a driver. Fortunately, there were no passengers or crew on board during the collision, and no injuries have been reported. The apron area, where aircraft are parked, loaded, refueled, and serviced, is typically subject to strict safety protocols.
Recent History of Aviation Incidents
This incident follows several other aviation safety concerns involving Indian carriers. In February, two aircraft – IndiGo's 6E 791 and Air India's AI 2732 – collided on a taxiway at Mumbai airport, though all passengers emerged unharmed. Last August, an IndiGo Airbus A321's tail touched the runway reportedly due to adverse weather conditions.
More recently, a Turkish Airlines flight carrying 236 passengers made an emergency landing at Kolkata airport, while a Kathmandu-bound flight was forced to land there after its right engine caught fire mid-air. These incidents highlight ongoing challenges in aviation safety management.
Broader Context for IndiGo
Tuesday's vehicle collision comes months after IndiGo faced significant scrutiny over the cancellation of thousands of flights in December. The airline, which controls approximately 65 percent of India's domestic aviation market, cancelled 4,500 flights during that period – the most severe crisis in its 20-year history, affecting over one million passengers.
As investigations continue into how an unmanned vehicle could collide with a stationary aircraft, questions about ground handling procedures and airport safety protocols are likely to intensify. The incident underscores the importance of rigorous safety measures even when aircraft are parked and apparently secure.
