Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Apr 16: A taxiing aircraft of SpiceJet collided with a stationary plane of Akasa Air at Delhi airport on Thursday, damaging both aircraft and prompting an investigation into the ground incident.

According to reports, the SpiceJet Boeing 737-700 sustained damage to its right winglet, while the Akasa Air aircraft suffered damage to its left-hand horizontal stabiliser. The SpiceJet aircraft has since been grounded.

Akasa Air stated that its aircraft, operating flight QP 1406 from Delhi to Hyderabad, was stationary at the time of the incident. “Preliminary information indicates that our aircraft was stationary when another airline’s aircraft made contact with it,” an airline spokesperson said, adding that the plane had to return to the bay.

All passengers and crew on board were safely disembarked, and arrangements are being made to transport passengers to Hyderabad at the earliest.

“At Akasa Air, the safety and security of our passengers and crew remain our highest priority,” the spokesperson added.

SpiceJet also confirmed the incident, stating that its aircraft was involved in a ground occurrence while taxiing, which resulted in damage to another aircraft. The airline reiterated that the aircraft has been grounded following the mishap.

Both airlines have informed the relevant authorities, and a detailed investigation is currently underway. The incident is expected to come under scrutiny as officials review ground movement and safety procedures at the airport.