Updated: Jan 8, 2026

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) will conduct inspections of all scheduled airlines and the air navigation services provider following a serious airprox (air proximity) incident at Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi, in 2023, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has recommended.

Incident Details

The near-miss occurred on November 17, 2023, involving two IndiGo Airbus flights:

• 6E 2113 (Delhi-Hyderabad) – departing runway 27
• 6E 2206 (Delhi-Raipur) – departing runway 29R

Both aircraft took off within seconds of each other after receiving ATC clearance, but 6E 2113 deviated from its Standard Instrument Departure (SID) and moved toward the corridor of 6E 2206.

This resulted in a loss of mandatory separation:

• Vertical gap dropped to 400 feet (required: 1,000 feet)
• Lateral distance reduced to 1.2 nautical miles (required: 5 nautical miles)

The deviation triggered ATC alerts and Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) warnings in both cockpits. The pilots’ prompt response to TCAS advisories prevented a potential collision.

No injuries or aircraft damage occurred.

AAIB Recommendations

The AAIB’s final report, published Wednesday, highlights several safety improvements:

1. DGCA inspections – to review safety management systems across airlines and navigation service providers.
2. IndiGo measures – ensure correct Flight Management and Guidance System (FMGS) entries, reduce cockpit disturbances during setup, and enforce cross-checks in training.
3. Operational discipline – monitor post-takeoff trajectories and maintain strict adherence to TCAS proceduresduring simultaneous runway operations at busy airports.

FMGS, an integrated avionics system in Airbus aircraft, automates flight planning, navigation, and trajectory control. Proper use is essential for maintaining safe separation in congested airspace.

Key Takeaway

The incident underscores the importance of strict adherence to SIDs and ATC instructions in crowded airports like Delhi. The report confirms that minor deviations can quickly reduce safety margins, but modern collision avoidance systems and pilot training remain crucial in preventing accidents.

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