An Akasa Air aircraft was hit by a cargo truck during ground operations at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, causing a minor collision that raised concerns. The severity of the hit is highlighted in a powerful photo from the scene that shows the plane’s wing partially embedded in the truck’s side.
The event happened as the plane was parked and getting ready for regular maintenance. Initial reports state that there were no people on board at the time, and there were no reported casualties. However, the collision caused visible damage to the wing of the aircraft, prompting a thorough inspection.
Early signs point to a potential breach in ground handling protocol, prompting airport authorities and Akasa Air to begin a joint enquiry. After being informed, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is anticipated to carry out a thorough investigation to ascertain whether safety regulations were adhered to.
Relatively new to the Indian aviation industry, Akasa Air has promised to work closely with authorities and uphold the highest safety standards. Calls for more stringent oversight of airside vehicle movements, especially in busy cities like Mumbai, have also been sparked by the incident.
