SpiceJet B737 Collides with Akasa Air MAX at Delhi; DGCA Probes Ground Incident

An Akasa Air Boeing 737 MAX 8 and a SpiceJet Boeing 737-700 were involved in a ground collision at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), prompting an immediate investigation by India's primary aviation regulator. The incident, which occurred while the SpiceJet aircraft was taxiing, resulted in damage to both airframes and has led to the grounding of the involved flight crews and air traffic control personnel.

The event underscores growing concerns about ground safety and operational pressures at India's increasingly congested major airports. Both aircraft have been removed from service for damage assessment and repairs, causing schedule disruptions for the two carriers.

Details of the Collision

According to an official statement from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), India's aviation regulatory body, the incident involved SpiceJet flight SG-124 arriving from Leh and Akasa Air flight QP-1406 preparing for departure to Hyderabad. The SpiceJet B737-700, an 18-year-old aircraft registered as VT-SLB, was taxiing when its right winglet struck the left horizontal stabilizer of the stationary Akasa Air B737 MAX 8, a 4-year-old aircraft registered as VT-YBA.

An Akasa Air spokesperson confirmed that its aircraft was stationary when the contact occurred and that all passengers and crew disembarked safely. The airline stated its ground teams were arranging alternative travel for the affected passengers. Similarly, SpiceJet confirmed the "ground occurrence" and noted its aircraft was grounded in Delhi for inspection.

The DGCA's preliminary findings indicate the collision happened during a turn executed by the SpiceJet aircraft, allegedly without the required clearance. As per standard procedure under the Aircraft (Investigation of Accidents and Incidents) Rules, the DGCA has off-rostered the SpiceJet pilots and the on-duty Air Traffic Control (ATC) officer pending a full inquiry.

Incident Context and Previous Occurrences

This collision is not an isolated event, highlighting a trend of increasing ground handling incidents at major Indian airports. It follows a similar wingtip collision between an Air India A320 and an IndiGo A320 on the taxiway at Mumbai Airport in February 2026. That event also resulted in both aircraft being grounded and a DGCA probe.

In response to these safety challenges, the DGCA implemented updated Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) for Ground Handling Service Providers in July 2024. These regulations were specifically designed to mandate stricter safety clearances and improve coordination during ground movements to prevent taxiway collisions. The recurrence of such an incident in Delhi suggests that operational challenges may be outpacing regulatory adjustments.

Akasa Air Navigates Regional Tensions

Separately from the ground incident, Akasa Air has been managing operational changes due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. The airline confirmed it will continue operating flights to Jeddah from several Indian cities, including Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Kochi, based on its ongoing safety assessments.

However, escalating regional conflicts had previously forced the carrier to suspend services to other Gulf destinations. According to an official travel advisory, Akasa Air suspended flights to Doha, Riyadh, and Kuwait until April 12, 2026. The airline continues to evaluate the progressive resumption of flights to Abu Dhabi, advising passengers to monitor its official channels for updates.

Investigation and Outlook

The DGCA's investigation into the Delhi collision will focus on ATC communications, taxiway procedures, and crew adherence to ground movement protocols. The final incident investigation report, which will determine the cause and contributing factors, is expected to be released in late 2026.

For the airlines, the immediate impact is operational. The grounding of the B737-700 (VT-SLB) removes capacity from SpiceJet's already constrained fleet. For Akasa Air, the damage to the critical horizontal stabilizer on its B737 MAX 8 (VT-YBA) will require a thorough structural evaluation and repair, disrupting domestic schedules.

Looking ahead, Akasa Air's international expansion plans remain subject to regional stability, with the airline expecting to resume its full Gulf network operations during the second quarter of 2026, pending a de-escalation of tensions.

Why This Matters

This ground collision is significant as it highlights the systemic safety challenges emerging from India's rapid aviation growth. For regulators, it tests the effectiveness of recently enhanced ground handling rules. For airlines and airports, it serves as a critical reminder of the operational risks associated with high-traffic environments, putting a spotlight on the urgent need for robust infrastructure and stringent procedural discipline.