The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has de-rostered an air traffic controller (ATC) at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) following the circulation of a viral video depicting a narrowly avoided mishap on Sunday, according to two officials familiar with the situation.
The incident occurred on Saturday as an inbound IndiGo flight was landing while an Air India flight was in the process of taking off from the same runway. In the video footage, the Air India flight is observed taking off as the IndiGo flight descends towards the runway. However, just as the IndiGo flight, 6E 6053, approaches for landing on runway 27, the Air India flight, AI 657, manages to become airborne in the nick of time.
A civil aviation ministry official stated, “The incident is under investigation. The tower controller has been relieved of duties pending further inquiry.”
An IndiGo spokesperson confirmed, “On June 8, 2024, IndiGo flight 6E 6053 from Indore was cleared for landing by ATC at Mumbai Airport. The Pilot in Command executed the approach and landing as per ATC instructions. Safety of passengers is our top priority, and we have duly reported the incident as per protocol.”
An Air India spokesperson announced that an investigation has been initiated, stating, “AI657 from Mumbai to Trivandrum was in the process of take-off on June 8. The Air India aircraft received clearance from Air Traffic Control to enter and subsequently take off from the runway, following standard procedures. Authorities are investigating the clearance granted to both airlines.”
Expressing concern, a former pilot, speaking anonymously, remarked, “ATC sometimes clears departures when an aircraft is nearing final approach, aiming to minimize delays. However, it seems this protocol may not have been followed in this instance.”
Mumbai Airport, being a high-density airport, witnesses a considerable number of flight movements. Standard procedures allow ATCs to clear up to two arrivals and two departures within three minutes on a single runway, subject to conditions.
Alok Yadav, general secretary of ATC Guild, explained, “Visibility conditions can affect the separation distance between aircraft. In this case, visibility was good, and there was no immediate danger between the landing IndiGo flight and the taking-off Air India flight. However, there might have been a delay despite favorable visibility.”
“ATCs face immense pressure during high-traffic periods, prioritizing aircraft and passenger safety. The DGCA investigation will scrutinize whether all procedures were followed by the ATC and the involved pilots,” he added.