SpiceJet Aircraft Hits Lightning Pole At Delhi Airport; DGCA Begins Probe

New Delhi: During a routine 'push back' procedure, a passenger aircraft belonging to budget carrier SpiceJet hit a lightning pole at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi on March 28.

The incident unraveled when the Boeing 737-800 aircraft of SpiceJet was being pushed back from the parking position to be ready for take off when its right wing struck the lightning pole in the apron area of the airport and it led to the aircraft incurring some damage.

A SpiceJet spokesperson, in a statement, said SpiceJet flight SG 160 was scheduled to operate between Delhi and Jammu on March 28, 2022.

The spokesperson added that the right wing trailing edge came in close contact with a pole during push back as a result of which the aileron was damaged. He further added that a replacement aircraft has been arranged to operate the flight.

Aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation have said that no passengers have been injured due to the incident and everyone on board is safe and the DGCA have added that an investigation has been launched to look into the matter.

The SG 160 was supposed to travel to Jammu from Delhi and the flight was scheduled to depart from IGI airport at 9.20 am.

Meanwhile, 'push back' refers to a procedure wherein an aircraft is pushed back from its parking bay by a motor tug or tractor.

Earlier, reinstatement of the Boeing 737 MAX aircraft as well as booming passenger traffic had re-energized SpiceJet's plan to start direct services to new destinations in Vietnam, Turkey and even Russia amongst others.

In a conversation with IANS, SpiceJet's Chairman and Managing Director Ajay Singh emphasized the need for India-based carriers to start point-to-point medium to long haul services.

"The time has come for Indian carriers to expand globally. India should not depend on hubs in the Middle East or Southeast Asia." Besides, the company will keep on exploring the business of 'wide-body' charter services it operates to Canada and Europe. "We will be exploring the possibility of getting into scheduled operations on long haul. We are also exploring whether we will be able to induct wide-bodied aircraft on a dry lease basis," Ajay Singh said.

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