Ground safety concerns mount at Pune Airport as IndiGo bus collides with baggage handling unit, marking third incident in two months
PUNE: Pune Airport’s apron area has once again become the focal point of safety concerns following a series of incidents, the latest occurring early Friday morning. This marks the third mishap in just two months, reigniting worries about ground operations and passenger safety at the airport.
Recent Incident Details
The most recent incident involved an IndiGo flight, 6E6944, bound for Goa. Reports indicate that a bus transporting passengers collided with a baggage loading unit, resulting in injuries to two passengers. The injured woman received initial medical attention at Pune Airport and later upon landing in Goa. An IndiGo spokesperson expressed regret for the inconvenience caused and mentioned that an alternative coach was provided to complete the boarding process.
#indigo bus collided on #Pune airport
— Shubham Aggarwal (@AggarwalShbham) July 4, 2024
2 people got injured. pic.twitter.com/7tcGZ7KeQu
Previous Incidents
This recent accident follows two other notable incidents earlier this year:
- May 10: An IndiGo ladder collided with a chartered flight, causing significant damage. The chartered flight was damaged while stationed in one of the parking bays.
- May 16: An Air India flight taxiing for departure collided with a tug tractor, resulting in major damage to the aircraft. The Delhi-bound flight, with around 180 passengers on board, was parked for days before being moved to the Indian Air Force space and eventually flown to Hyderabad for further repairs.
Passenger and Observer Reactions
Concerns among passengers and aviation observers have been mounting, particularly regarding the management of the airport’s apron area. Frequent flyers have expressed dismay over the use of empty aerobridges and the risks associated with passengers navigating amidst heavy vehicle movements. They highlighted the risks of walking to the terminal building amid heavy vehicle movement, noting that operational constraints have prevented the use of available aerobridges due to the new terminal building being non-functional.
Airport Officials’ Response
Airport officials have acknowledged the challenges, noting ongoing discussions with airlines and ground staff to enhance apron management. Emphasis is being placed on safety protocols for both people and aircraft. The airport director stated that he would enquire about the latest incident immediately.
Broader Implications
As investigations continue into the circumstances of Friday’s accident, stakeholders, including airline operators and regulatory authorities, are expected to review existing protocols to prevent future incidents and bolster overall safety at Pune Airport. The incidents have prompted calls for a comprehensive review of apron operations nationwide, highlighting the critical need for stringent safety measures in airport ground handling procedures.
Pune-Bengaluru Flight Diversion
In a separate incident, over 150 flyers booked on Air India’s Pune-Bengaluru flight encountered significant delays and a sudden diversion to Chennai. The flight, originally scheduled to take off from Pune at 11:20 AM, finally left for Bengaluru at 3:00 PM, faced technical issues, and was diverted to Chennai, where passengers were kept on board for over an hour without clear communication from the crew.
