IndiGo, SpiceJet flights avert collision at Ahmedabad Airport

A major accident between two planes, an IndiGo and a SpiceJet aircraft was averted at Ahmedabad airport due to the presence of rabbits on the airstrip, reported the aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

The incident occurred on Friday evening when a SpiceJet flight had to abort take-off at the last minute as an IndiGo plane could not clear the runway due to the presence of rabbits on the airstrip at the airport.

"SpiceJet SG 912 pilot saw indigo flight was still on the runway whereas it was supposed to be off the runway by then. They were asked to enter backtrack and wait departure clearance.

However, seconds later ATC (Air traffic control) Ahmedabad intervened. The pilot of indigo airlines reported there are some rabbits on the runway and this necessitated the ATC to advise SpiceJet to hold position, forcing the pilot to abort take-off at the last minute.

As the IndiGo pilot stopped the aircraft, the nose of the aircraft was still on taxiway and tail of aircraft still on the runway.

While SpiceJet pilots maintain in their report that the IndiGo aircraft wasn't cleared off the runway when SpiceJet was ready to take off.

Both the pilots reported ATC about the incident.