A minor but notable operational incident was reported at Kolkata’s Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport on Tuesday, when a catering van collided with a parked aircraft belonging to low-cost carrier IndiGo. The incident occurred at Bay No. 51, an area designated for aircraft parking and servicing, and resulted in minor damage to the aircraft. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in the immediate aftermath, and airport operations continued without any major disruption.
According to preliminary information from sources, the mishap occurred when the catering vehicle unexpectedly lurched forward upon being started. This sudden and unintended movement caused the vehicle to move out of control and make contact with the aircraft’s engine section. The vehicle involved was reportedly a third-party unit operating on the airport apron, a controlled zone where strict safety protocols are typically enforced.
In its official statement, IndiGo confirmed that the vehicle was unmanned at the time of the incident and that it came into contact with the stationary aircraft. The airline stated that all relevant airport and regulatory authorities were promptly informed, and standard incident response procedures were initiated immediately after the collision.
As a precautionary and safety-driven measure, IndiGo has grounded the affected aircraft to conduct thorough inspections. The airline emphasized that the aircraft will undergo detailed technical checks and necessary maintenance work before it is cleared for further operations. Such inspections are standard protocol in aviation to ensure that even minor damage does not compromise flight safety.
The airline also stated that it is working in close coordination with airport authorities and other concerned agencies to investigate the exact sequence of events that led to the incident. The investigation is expected to examine operational lapses, if any, including the movement and handling of ground support vehicles in restricted areas.
At the time of the incident, the aircraft was scheduled to operate a domestic flight, identified as 6E 6663, from Kolkata to Guwahati. To minimise inconvenience to passengers and maintain operational continuity, IndiGo arranged for an alternate aircraft to carry out the scheduled journey. This ensured that passengers were able to travel without significant delays despite the disruption.
While the damage caused has been described as minor, the incident highlights the importance of strict adherence to safety protocols in high-traffic airport environments, where even small lapses in ground operations can lead to potentially serious consequences. The findings of the ongoing investigation are likely to determine whether additional safety measures or procedural changes are required to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
