‘Wrong turn’: Air India plane comes in front of IndiGo flight on same taxiway at Ahmedabad airport

NEW DELHI/MUMBAI: An Air India aircraft inadvertently took a wrong turn while taxiing after landing at Ahmedabad airport on Wednesday evening, bringing it onto the same taxiway as an IndiGo plane preparing for departure.The Mumbai-bound IndiGo flight was taxiing for take-off when the Air India aircraft, which had just landed from Mumbai, entered the wrong taxiway. Sources said the two narrow-body Airbus A320 aircraft came within around 200 metres of each other before both were brought to a halt.Air India confirmed the incident in a statement. “We are aware of an incident where our flight AI 2493 operating from Mumbai to Ahmedabad on 24 June, after landing, inadvertently took a wrong turn during taxiing,” the airline said.The carrier added that there was no compromise to passenger or crew safety and that the aircraft was subsequently towed back to its parking bay.“The matter has been reported to the regulatory authorities and an investigation initiated,” Air India said.IndiGo also confirmed the incident, saying its flight 6E 5160 from Ahmedabad to Mumbai was briefly delayed during taxiing.“Both aircraft came to a halt at a safe distance from each other. The other aircraft was subsequently towed away, and our flight departed and landed safely at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai,” the airline said.According to IndiGo, the relevant authorities were informed immediately. The number of passengers on board the two aircraft could not be immediately ascertained.The incident comes months after another ground movement mishap involving the two airlines. In February, the wingtips of an Air India Airbus A320 and an IndiGo A320 scraped each other while taxiing at Mumbai airport, forcing both aircraft to undergo inspections.(With inputs from PTI)