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Journalism of Courage
Crash averted at Mumbai airport as two Air India group flights come face-to-face
The authorities refrained from disclosing why the Air India aircraft was cleared for departure while the runway was still occupied by an Air India Express flight.
Two Air India flights came face-to-face on the runway at the Mumbai airport (Representative image/File).
A major tragedy was prevented on Tuesday, July 7, due to the timely intervention of the Air Traffic Control (ATC) in Mumbai after two Air India and Air India Express aircraft came face-to-face on a runway at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.
The incident occurred around 10 pm when Delhi-bound Air India flight AI 816 was preparing to take off from the same runway where an Air India Express aircraft was still parked.
Following ATC’s prompt instructions, the crew discontinued the take-off run, preventing the two aircraft from coming into conflict.
Confirming the incident at the Mumbai airport, an Air India spokesperson noted that a major mishap was averted due to the prompt intervention of the ATC. “The crew operating flight AI816 from Mumbai to Delhi on July 7 discontinued the take-off run after receiving an instruction to do so from the Air Traffic Control and returned to the bay,” the spokesperson said.
The airline said the aircraft would undergo mandatory inspections before being cleared for service.
“The aircraft will undergo necessary checks as per standard operating procedures. Meanwhile, alternative arrangements are being made to fly the passengers to their destination at the earliest. Air India regrets the inconvenience caused to passengers due to this unforeseen situation. At Air India, the safety and well-being of our passengers remain a top priority,” the spokesperson added.
No injuries or damages were reported in the incident.
The authorities refrained from disclosing why the Air India aircraft was cleared for departure while the runway was still occupied by an Air India Express flight. It is unclear whether the incident led to any further delays in the scheduled landing or take-off of the other aircraft.
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The incident comes amid heightened scrutiny of aviation safety and is likely to be examined in accordance with standard procedures.
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