Mishap averted at Delhi airport as IndiGo and SpiceJet aircraft come face-to-face

NEW DELHI: Miscommunication by the Air Traffic Control (ATC) brought a SpiceJet and IndiGo aircraft closer to each other at Delhi airport this morning.

Sources in the know said that the mishap was averted after both aircraft moving towards the runway applied brakes.

SpiceJet flight (SG 123) on way to Hyderabad was delayed due to fog. While waiting for weather to get clearer, the fuel in the aircraft ran low. The pilot of the aircraft sought permission for refueling from ATC, which was given.

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"The SpiceJet aircraft was coming towards the runway for take off and the IndiGo aircraft was also on it way to take off. Both aircraft came as close as 40 meters to each other. Brakes were immediately applied by both the aircraft," said a source in the know.

Sources added that it was not the pilots fault but a miscommunication by the ATC and both flights departed.

SpiceJet said in a statement that it's flight was following ATC instructions at all times.

"While taxiing, the SpiceJet crew observed another aircraft on the same taxiway in the opposite direction. Acting promptly, the SpiceJet crew immediately stopped the aircraft and intimated the ATC. Safety is of utmost and primary concern at SpiceJet. At no stage the safety of passengers, crew and aircraft was compromised. All concerned authorities were immediately informed," SpiceJet said in a statement.