Hiravaero Highlights Close Call at Mumbai Airport Analyzing Air Traffic Management Challenges
Hiravaero Highlights Close Call at Mumbai Airport Analyzing Air Traffic Management Challenges - IndiGo and Air India Flight Near-Miss Incident
On June 10, 2024, a serious near-miss incident occurred at the Mumbai airport when an IndiGo flight landing on Runway 27 narrowly avoided a collision with an Air India flight that was in the process of taking off.
The close call, which occurred within 90 seconds, highlighted the pressing need for improved air traffic management protocols at the busy airport to prevent such potentially catastrophic incidents from happening in the future.
The near-miss occurred within just 90 seconds, as an Iraqi flight took off and the Air India flight entered the runway for its own takeoff, barely leaving enough time for the IndiGo flight to land safely.
The Airbus A320neo aircraft operated by both airlines were equipped with the latest collision avoidance systems, yet the planes still came dangerously close, highlighting the complexity of air traffic management at busy airports.
According to flight tracking data, the vertical separation between the two planes was estimated to be only 100 feet at the closest point, well below the standard minimum of 1,000 feet, emphasizing the severity of the incident.
The air traffic controller responsible for the near-miss was immediately derostered by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), indicating the regulator's concern about the breakdown in standard operating procedures.
Both airlines claimed they were following Air Traffic Control (ATC) clearances, underscoring the intricate coordination required between pilots and air traffic controllers to ensure safe operations at congested airports.
The incident showcased the need for advanced air traffic management systems and enhanced training for air traffic controllers to better anticipate and mitigate such high-risk situations, especially at India's busiest airports.
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- Hiravaero Highlights Close Call at Mumbai Airport Analyzing Air Traffic Management Challenges - IndiGo and Air India Flight Near-Miss Incident
- Hiravaero Highlights Close Call at Mumbai Airport Analyzing Air Traffic Management Challenges - Safety Concerns at India's Second Busiest Airport
Hiravaero Highlights Close Call at Mumbai Airport Analyzing Air Traffic Management Challenges - Safety Concerns at India's Second Busiest Airport
The recent close call incident at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, involving an Air India flight and an IndiGo flight, has raised serious concerns about air traffic management challenges at the country's second busiest airport.
The incident, which saw the two planes breach the safety margin distance, has prompted an investigation by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and highlighted the immense pressure faced by air traffic controllers at high-density airports like Mumbai.
Experts have also expressed concerns about the safety of the proposed Navi Mumbai International Airport, warning that the location near bird sanctuaries and roosting spots may not be the most suitable.
This has sparked discussions about the need for thorough safety assessments and robust air traffic management strategies to ensure the safety of operations at India's airports.
The close call incident has underscored the critical importance of maintaining the highest standards of aviation safety, particularly as India's air traffic continues to grow at a rapid pace.
Authorities and industry stakeholders must work together to address these challenges and implement measures to enhance the safety and efficiency of air travel in the country.
Runway incursions at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport have increased by 25% in the past two years, raising alarm bells about the airport's safety protocols.
Radar coverage over the airport's airspace is hindered by nearby buildings, causing frequent loss of aircraft targets and increasing the risk of midair collisions.
The airport's single-runway system, which handles over 850 flights per day, is operating at 130% of its designed capacity, straining air traffic controllers and increasing the likelihood of operational errors.
Bird strikes have become a major concern, with the airport recording over 100 incidents in 2023 alone, due to its proximity to wetlands and agricultural areas that attract large flocks of birds.
Outdated ground control systems and a lack of automated decision-making tools have forced air traffic controllers to rely heavily on verbal communication, increasing the chances of miscommunication during high-traffic periods.
The proposed Navi Mumbai International Airport, meant to relieve pressure on Mumbai's primary airport, is facing criticism from environmental experts who warn that its location near bird sanctuaries could exacerbate the risk of bird strikes.