The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has initiated a comprehensive inquiry following a ground collision involving a SpiceJet Boeing 737-700 and an Akasa Air Boeing 737 MAX 8 at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) in Delhi. The incident, which took place near bay No. 106 at Terminal 1 on Thursday, April 16, 2026, has brought ground handling safety procedures at one of India’s busiest airports under renewed scrutiny.
Details of the Delhi Airport Aircraft Collision
Preliminary reports indicate that the collision occurred around 2:15 pm when SpiceJet flight SG-124, arriving from Leh, was taxiing towards its designated gate. Simultaneously, Akasa Air flight QP-1406, preparing for departure to Hyderabad, had been pushed back from bay No. 104 and was positioned for engine start.
During a maneuvering operation, the right winglet of the SpiceJet aircraft struck the left horizontal stabilizer of the Akasa Air aircraft. Officials stated that the SpiceJet aircraft executed a turn without the required wing walker clearance, leading to the impact.
Impact and Regulatory Response
- Both aircraft sustained damage and have since been grounded for detailed inspection and necessary repairs.
- Following the incident, the pilots operating the SpiceJet flight and the concerned Air Traffic Control (ATC) officer have been removed from duty pending the outcome of the inquiry.
- The Ministry of Civil Aviation is closely monitoring the situation and has pledged to take all necessary steps to ensure aviation safety compliance at Delhi Airport and across India.
Scope of the DGCA Investigation
The DGCA probe will delve into several critical aspects to determine the precise cause of the Delhi airport aircraft collision and prevent future occurrences:
- Ground Movement Coordination: Examination of procedures and communication protocols for aircraft movement on the tarmac at IGI Airport.
- Air Traffic Control (ATC) Communication: Review of ATC instructions and clearances issued to both aircraft.
- Taxiing and Wing Walker Protocols: Assessment of compliance with established safety procedures, particularly regarding the use of wing walkers during aircraft maneuvers.
- Airline Operational Safety Standards: A broader look at the operational safety standards maintained by both SpiceJet and Akasa Air during ground operations.
This incident underscores the critical importance of stringent adherence to ground safety protocols in busy airport environments.