Dangerous Close Call: IndiGo Airbus A320neo Lands Just Seconds After Air India A320neo Takes Off at Mumbai International Airport
An early morning departure and arrival at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) in Mumbai, India, almost resulted in disaster on Saturday. IndiGo flight 5053, inbound from Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport (IDR), landed on Runway 27 just as Air India flight 657 was still accelerating for takeoff to Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (TRV). Both flights were operated by Airbus A320neos.
Near-Miss Incident
Footage widely shared on social media shows the Air India flight still accelerating down the runway as the IndiGo flight descended towards landing. The Air India aircraft managed to get airborne just in time, likely unaware of the incoming IndiGo aircraft behind it. The IndiGo aircraft landed without incident.
IndiGo commented on the incident, stating:
"On Jun 8, 2024, IndiGo flight 6E 5053 from Indore was given landing clearance by ATC at Mumbai Airport. The Pilot in Command continued the approach and landing and followed ATC instructions. At IndiGo, passenger safety is paramount to us, and we have reported the incident as per procedure."
Flight Details and Aircraft
Air India VT-RTS / AI657
- Aircraft: Airbus A320neo (VT-RTS)
- Configuration: All-economy class, seating 180 passengers
- Departure: Scheduled at 05:45, delayed to 06:15
- Arrival: Scheduled at 08:10, arrived at 08:03
The aircraft, delivered on March 7, 2024, is part of the Star Alliance carrier's fleet.
IndiGo VT-ISV / 6E5053
- Aircraft: Airbus A320neo (VT-ISV)
- Departure: Scheduled at 05:30, departed at 05:25
- Arrival: Scheduled at 06:40, arrived at 06:15
The IndiGo aircraft, a three-year-old A320neo, was delivered on July 9, 2021, and is powered by two CFMI LEAP-1A26 engines.
In Conclusion
The incident highlights the critical importance of air traffic control and coordination between pilots and ground staff to ensure safety. Both airlines have reported the incident and are cooperating with authorities to understand and prevent such near-misses in the future.