DGCA Probes Air India, IndiGo A320 Wingtip Scrape on Mumbai Taxiway

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched a formal probe. This follows a wingtip collision between two Airbus A320 aircraft at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) on February 3, 2026. The incident involved an Air India jet and an IndiGo jet. Both aircraft were carrying passengers during the ground movement incident. No injuries were reported among the passengers or crew.

Incident Details and Aircraft Grounding

The incident occurred on a taxiway. Air India flight AI 2732 was preparing for departure to Coimbatore. The IndiGo flight, 6E 791, was taxiing after its arrival from Hyderabad. The right wingtips of both Air India IndiGo A320 aircraft made contact. This contact resulted in visible damage to both planes' wingtips. Following the DGCA probe wingtip collision, both airlines grounded their respective aircraft. This was done immediately for detailed technical inspections and maintenance. Passengers were safely disembarked from both planes. The grounding led to subsequent airline operational delays and alternative travel arrangements.

Focus of the DGCA Investigation

The DGCA's investigation is focused on determining the precise cause. The core question is one of positioning and procedure adherence. Investigators are examining whether one aircraft deviated from the taxiway centre line. They will also scrutinize the actions of both flight crews. Furthermore, the probe will look into ground handling coordination and Air Traffic Control (ATC) instructions. The objective is to identify any systemic lapses. This is crucial for improving taxiway safety procedures at busy airports. Data from the Digital Flight Data Recorders and Cockpit Voice Recorders will be analyzed.

Industry Impact and Safety Concerns

Ground collisions, while typically low-speed, are taken seriously. They represent a significant breach of safety margins. Such events lead to substantial costs for Airbus A320 ground damage repairs. They also cause major operational disruptions for airlines. For a major hub like Mumbai, maintaining strict taxiway safety procedures is vital. The DGCA investigation aims to reinforce safety protocols. The findings will inform future operational guidelines. This ensures the safe movement of aircraft on congested aprons and taxiways. The incident highlights the constant need for situational awareness by flight and ground crews. The final report will be instrumental in preventing similar Mumbai airport taxiway incident occurrences. Both airlines confirmed they are cooperating fully with the regulatory authorities.

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