KOLKATA- The Kolkata Airport (CCU) has implemented minor adjustments to the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) regarding using taxiways near the location of Wednesday’s IndiGo (6E) and Air India Express (IX) accident to prevent a recurrence of the incident, which resulted in damage to two aircraft.
According to an airport official, air traffic controllers have been instructed to direct aircraft to taxiway P via taxiway N, leading departing planes directly to the beginning of the runway instead of permitting them to access the runway earlier via taxi track A.
IndiGo-Air India Express Collision Aftermath
“The incident on Wednesday could have been avoided if the Air India Express aircraft ahead had chosen to use taxiway P for departure instead of turning into taxiway A, which is located further down. Although the aviation regulator approved the procedure followed, the issue arose because the AI Express aircraft stopped prematurely, and the IndiGo pilots failed to recognize the imminent danger. While the procedure may be revised following the investigation report, we have opted not to permit the use of taxiway A for departures, particularly during peak hours when aircraft are queued for takeoff,” explained the official.
While the actions of the controller and pilots implicated in Wednesday’s accident are being scrutinized, officials have suggested that one of several factors contributing to the incident may be unfamiliarity with the taxi track, as it is not as frequently utilized by departing aircraft compared to others.
“Typically, flight operations utilize the primary runway. However, the secondary runway is currently in use due to ongoing repairs on the primary runway,” the official explained.
More Cautious Crew and Controllers
The accident has instilled a sense of caution among controllers, pilots, and the airport operational team when maneuvering aircraft and navigating potential conflict areas or hotspots on the tarmac while taxiing between parking bays and the runway.
“Pilots are now exercising extra vigilance when passing other aircraft,” he noted.
Sources revealed that the ground operations team at Kolkata airport will review the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) concerning the use of taxiway N4. They will consider whether it should be mandatory to redirect a departing aircraft taxiing on N4 to turn left onto N3 if the preceding plane turns right onto taxiway A.
Although the Air India Express plane, whose wings sustained damage from the collision with the IndiGo aircraft, may have stopped at an incorrect holding point, airport officials expressed their commitment to exploring measures to prevent accidents even during pilot error.
“The investigation report may take five to six months. Meanwhile, operations must continue, ensuring safety remains paramount. We are taking every possible measure to prevent a recurrence of Wednesday’s incident,” the official emphasized.
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