DELHI
IndiGo, SpiceJet aircraft had come face-to-face on the runway at IGIA on December 27
The analysis of Air Traffic Control (ATC) tape transcripts during the SpiceJet and IndiGo face-off by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has revealed that at the time of the incident, VIP departure was being planned and one ‘follow-me’ jeep from the domestic apron was designated for the VIP flight, leading to unavailability of service for the IndiGo flight that was stuck due to low visibility.
A ‘follow-me’ service is a vehicle that shows the way to an aircraft in times of low visibility, from runway to parking bays after an aircraft lands and from bay to runway for an aircraft preparing to take-off.
The findings of the DGCA have revealed that on December 27, 2016, the visibility was below 50 mts. Since departures were on hold, the SpiceJet plane that was awaiting clearance for take-off, reported fuel shortage and decided to taxi back to the bay for refuelling. As the visibility was low the aircraft asked for ‘follow-me’ service but after some time the visibility improved and no ‘follow-me’ service arrived, the investigation finds.
The DGCA further mentioned that for every area a particular number of ‘follow-me’ jeeps are designated and at the time of the incident, a VIP departure was being planned and one of the ‘follow-me’ vehicles from domestic apron was designated for the VIP flight.“There is no separate ‘follow-me’ jeep for the VIP movement,” the report read.
Meanwhile, the SpiceJet aircraft was given a taxi clearance which was opposite to the traffic flow. While the visibility improved after some time, departures were started leading to an increase in the frequency of the ground traffic.
“Due to congestions, the third controller came to help the ground controller and gave instructions without taking the necessary briefing. The SpiceJet aircraft on reaching short of taxiway (TWY) E2 asked for further taxi. The third controller abruptly gave incomplete taxi to bay 130 via taxiway E. From taxiway C1 to taxiway E, there are two connecting routes, one via runway 27 and another via taxiway E2. The SpiceJet plane, on getting instructions turned left on E2 without confirming the route,” the report says.
It further mentioned that the SpiceJet aircraft was monitoring the ground frequency but at the time there was no conversation with the IndiGo plane.“Thus, the SpiceJet plane was not aware of any opposite traffic on taxiway E2. Assuming this, it turned left. Visibility was very low and there was no ‘follow-me’ to assist or cross-check the route. On turning left, SpiceJet and IndiGo aircrafts came face-to-face and the separation between the two became approximately 30 meters. To resolve the traffic, they were towed to their respective bays,” it reads.
Reacting on the non-availability of dedicated ‘follow-me’ service for VIPs, the airport operator DIAL told DNA that it conducts a regular assessment of demand and requirements of ‘follow-me’ vehicles.
Bengaluru cops stop Ed Sheeran's street performance, video goes viral - Watch
YouTuber Gaurav Taneja reveals he was 'shocked' over his wife's decision to...
Teddy Day 2025: Date, history and significance of the fourth day of Valentine’s week
'Sugar is the biggest toxin...': Naga Chaitanya calls sugar more toxic than alcohol and tobacco
‘Over for Blinkit, Zepto’, this startup claims ‘delivering humans’ in 10 minutes, shocks netizens
Pratik Gandhi on his struggles, managing job with acting: 'Chaar gante sona luxury tha' | Exclusive
Why did Kumar Vishwas' wife cry after Manish Sisodia lost Delhi Elections: 'Not always power...'
'Fast and Furious' cars collision creates a Rohit Shetty scene on Indian road, viral video
'Go to the room, cry...': Salman Khan's wisdom on love, breakup is all you need this Valentine's Day
Parvesh Verma, BJP leader who defeated Arvind Kejriwal, makes BIG claim, says, 'we have to do...'
Sumona Chakravarti on joining Kapil Sharma show: 'Went from Ram Kapoor's sister to...'
Is Elon Musk still interested in buying TikTok? Tesla CEO provides BIG update, claims...
Groom's mother and mama join hands to burn the dance floor down, viral video sets internet on fire
What is historic 'Blue Gold', costlier than real gold?
Salman Khan opens up about his daddy issues with Salim Khan: 'How can he be right all the time...'
Powerful 7.6 magnitude earthquake jolts Caribbean, tsunami advisory issued
Salman Khan supports Sooaj Barjatya, pens note on his OTT debut, calls his show Bada Naam Karenge...
Little girl's energetic dance to 'London Thumakda' leaves netizens in awe, WATCH viral video
Meet man who left IIT, later earned Rs 286 crore in just 20 weeks by...
Viral Video: Sadhus playing cricket at Mahakumbh mela wins hearts online, watch
Happy Chocolate Day 2025: Wishes, WhatsApp messages, quotes to share with your partner on February 9
Meet woman, who plays key role in Rs 33661 crore company, daughter of billionaire
Vicky Kaushal and Akshaye Khanna didn't talk to each other on the Chhaava sets because...
Nita Ambani, Nick Jonas share candid moments at Siddharth Chopra's wedding, WATCH viral video
UPSC Civil Services Prelims Exam 2025 registration date extended by 7 days; apply at upsc.gov.in
'Fight for progress of Delhi will continue', says LoP Rahul Gandhi after Congress's Delhi debacle
Namma Metro Fare Update: Travel rides get costlier by 50 per cent from THIS date; check details
'AAP-Da Mukt Delhi': PM Modi hails BJP's resounding victory in assembly polls 2025
'He is fit to...': India batting coach shares BIG update on Virat Kohli ahead of IND vs ENG 2nd ODI
IND vs ENG: Rohit Sharma on cusp of breaking Sachin Tendulkar's record in elite openers list
NASA confirms Sunita Williams' return date, denies US President Trump’s ‘stranded’ claim
Meet man whose airline went bankrupt, still has Rs 43894 crore net worth, he is...
Ranji Trophy: Suryakumar Yadav's horror show with bat continues, India star clean bowled for just...
Chocolate Day 2025: 5 easy homemade chocolate recipes to impress your partner
Mass layoffs at Infosys as company terminates 700 freshers over...
Priyanka Chopra wears 62-emerald bead Bvlgari necklace at her brother's wedding
Chocolate Day 2025: Date, significance, history and celebration ideas
Meet Swati Singh, wife of BJP's Parvesh Verma, who defeated Arvind Kejriwal by 4089 votes
Meet man, son of world’s richest woman, he is set to take over Rs 1642000 crore empire as...
SHOCKING! Bride's family cancels wedding at last moment over groom's low...
Nita Ambani, Shloka Mehta stun in gorgeous sarees at Priyanka Chopra's brother's wedding
Meet Trisha and Sanidhi, daughters of BJP's Parvesh Verma, who defeated Arvind Kejriwal
New entrant in grocery quick-commerce, ready to compete with industry giants
Transforming the news and media industry with Generative AI: Expert insights by Sanjay Jain
Dr Tanvi Tijoriwala, ND shedsputs light on balancing skin barrier during rising temperatures
How PM Modi's magic shattered Arvind Kejriwal and his third-term hope in Delhi?
Ahmedabad: Fire breaks out at Sabarmati bullet train station, check details
Meet Sunita Kejriwal, Arvind Kejriwals's wife, who was former IRS officer, met him during...