An Air India aircraft took a wrong turn while taxiing at Ahmedabad Airport on Wednesday evening, finding itself nose-to-nose with an IndiGo jet on the same taxiway — the latest in a series of ground movement incidents drawing attention to airport surface safety.
Air India Flight AI2493, arriving from Mumbai, was instructed to taxi to its parking stand via taxiways C and G. The crew took an incorrect turn and encountered IndiGo Flight 6E5160, which was taxiing out for its departure to Mumbai. Both aircraft came to a halt with what both airlines described as a considerable distance between them. The IndiGo flight was instructed to give way, and the Air India aircraft was subsequently towed back to its parking bay.
Air India confirmed the wrong turn in a statement, saying there was “no compromise on the safety of passengers and crew.” IndiGo echoed that assessment, noting the relevant authorities were immediately informed in line with established protocols. Air India has initiated an internal investigation.
The incident is a reminder that ground movement errors — while far less dramatic than runway incursions — are a consistent source of aviation safety events worldwide. Ahmedabad Airport has appeared in aviation safety reporting before, including in connection with the Air India Flight 171 crash investigation.
Why It Matters: A taxiway wrong turn with adequate separation is a far cry from a runway incursion, but ground movement incidents are precisely the category of error that safety systems are designed to catch before they escalate. The investigation will focus on crew situational awareness and whether taxiway signage and ATC instructions were clear.
Source: Wrong Turn Makes Air India, IndiGo Planes Come Face to Face at Ahmedabad Airport Taxiway
