Ariana Afghan Airlines Flight Diverts to Wrong Runway at Delhi Airport

Post by : Mina Rahman

A significant aviation incident occurred at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) when an Ariana Afghan Airlines flight from Kabul inadvertently landed on a departure-only runway on Sunday afternoon.

Flight FG 311, an Airbus A310, was authorized to land on runway 29L, yet it landed on runway 29R at approximately 12:06 pm on November 23. Runway 29R is typically designated for departures, while 29L is meant for arrivals.

Air traffic authorities referred to this incident as a “miraculous escape,” noting that another aircraft was poised for takeoff from runway 29R at the same moment. Fortunately, FG 311 landed without any other aircraft present, averting a potentially disastrous runway incursion.

In light of this situation, aviation authorities are conducting a thorough investigation. They plan to formally address the incident with Afghan aviation officials to ensure that all safety protocols are scrutinized and bolstered.

This misstep adds to a growing list of near-miss events at Delhi airport in recent months:

• August: A Vistara flight narrowly avoided a collision during taxiing due to miscommunication between pilots and air traffic control.

• Earlier this year: An IndiGo and an Air India flight nearly collided on a converging taxiway, leading aviation regulators to issue safety advisories.

• Last month: Two aircraft received clearance to use intersecting runways in quick succession, raising concerns over coordination among air traffic controllers.

Authorities have stressed the necessity for strict compliance with runway regulations and enhanced communication between pilots and air traffic control to prevent such perilous situations in the future.

Passengers aboard FG 311 reported no injuries, and the flight proceeded smoothly to its terminal. Aviation experts underscore this event as a crucial reminder of the critical nature of runway management in bustling international airports like Delhi IGIA.