Srinagar: An IndiGo aircraft operating a flight from Navi Mumbai to Srinagar came into contact with a Visual Docking Guidance System (VDGS) pole while being positioned at a parking bay at Srinagar airport on Friday morning.
The incident involving flight 6E 225 occurred at around 9.02 am as the aircraft, registered VT-NOG, was being manoeuvred into Bay No. 6 after arriving from Navi Mumbai.
All passengers and crew members on board were reported safe, and no injuries were reported. The passengers and crew were subsequently deboarded safely using manual stairs.
The aircraft sustained damage in the contact, although the extent of the damage was not immediately detailed by authorities.
Aircraft hits VDGS pole during parking
According to airport authorities, the aircraft came into contact with the pole supporting the Visual Docking Guidance System while it was being positioned at Bay No. 6.
A VDGS is used at airport parking stands to help pilots accurately position aircraft at the designated stopping point. The system typically uses visual information and associated sensors to guide an aircraft during the final stage of parking.
The incident occurred during this parking process rather than during the aircraft’s approach or landing on the runway. Reports referring to the incident have therefore described it as a ground collision during parking.
Passengers and crew escape unharmed
Despite the aircraft making contact with the airport infrastructure, there were no reports of injuries among passengers or crew.
Passengers were safely brought out of the aircraft using manual stairs after the incident.
The absence of injuries brought immediate relief to those on board and their families, particularly as any collision involving a passenger aircraft can cause considerable concern.
Airport operations also continued normally following the incident, with arrivals and departures reported to be operating as scheduled.
Investigation to determine cause
Authorities have not yet attributed the incident to any particular cause.
Officials said the circumstances surrounding the aircraft’s contact with the VDGS pole would be examined according to established procedures. The exact cause is expected to be determined after the inquiry is completed.
At this stage, there is no official conclusion that the incident resulted from pilot error, equipment malfunction or any other specific factor.
The investigation will be important in establishing what happened during the aircraft’s movement into the parking bay and whether any operational or technical factors contributed to the collision.
Aircraft sustains damage
Although passengers and crew members were unharmed, the aircraft itself sustained damage in the incident.
The aircraft involved was an IndiGo Airbus A321neo bearing the registration VT-NOG, according to reports.
The aircraft will need to undergo the necessary inspection before its operational status can be determined.
Airlines routinely carry out technical assessments following incidents involving aircraft and airport infrastructure. The inspection is intended to establish whether the aircraft can safely return to service or requires repairs.
What is a Visual Docking Guidance System?
The VDGS is an important part of airport ground infrastructure.
When an aircraft approaches a designated parking bay, the system provides visual guidance to help the pilot position the aircraft correctly. The equipment can indicate the aircraft’s alignment and distance from the stopping position.
The pole involved in Friday’s incident houses the VDGS display and associated equipment, including sensors used to assist aircraft positioning.
Damage to such equipment can therefore affect the functioning of a particular parking bay even when wider airport operations remain unaffected.
Incident does not disrupt airport operations
Despite the collision, Srinagar airport continued normal operations.
There were no reports of a wider disruption to arrivals and departures following the incident. This helped minimise the impact on other passengers travelling through the airport.
The incident nevertheless prompted authorities to examine the circumstances and assess the condition of the aircraft and the affected airport equipment.
The investigation will also help determine whether any additional precautions are necessary at the parking stand.
Growing focus on aviation safety
Ground incidents such as aircraft collisions with airport equipment highlight the importance of safety during every stage of air travel.
While take-off and landing are generally viewed as the most critical phases of a flight, aircraft movement on the ground also involves complex coordination between pilots, ground personnel and airport infrastructure.
Aircraft must be accurately positioned within designated parking areas while maintaining safe clearance from equipment, vehicles and other infrastructure.
The Srinagar incident demonstrates why ground operations are subject to detailed procedures and checks.
Second IndiGo incident in two days
The Srinagar incident comes a day after another IndiGo flight faced an unrelated operational issue.
An IndiGo flight operating from Doha to Bengaluru was diverted to Muscat after the pilot-in-command reportedly became unwell. The aircraft landed safely and the crew member received medical attention after arrival.
The two incidents were unrelated, but their proximity in time has drawn attention to safety and operational procedures at the airline.
There is no indication that the two incidents were connected.
Authorities await inquiry findings
For now, the immediate outcome at Srinagar airport is reassuring: all passengers and crew members were safely deboarded, no injuries were reported and airport operations continued normally.
The focus will now shift towards determining precisely how flight 6E 225 came into contact with the VDGS pole while entering its parking bay.
The aircraft’s condition will also be assessed before any decision is taken regarding its further operation.
The incident serves as a reminder that aviation safety extends beyond the skies. Even routine ground movements require precision, coordination and strict adherence to established procedures.
With an official inquiry underway, the findings will be crucial in establishing the cause and identifying any measures that may be required to prevent similar incidents in the future.