Airlines

Runway Close Call:IndiGo Plane Lands as Air India Jet Takes Off

Two commercial aircraft, one belonging to IndiGo and the other to Air India, narrowly escaped a potentially catastrophic collision on the runway at Mumbai Airport.

The incident, which occurred on Saturday, has sparked an investigation by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to uncover the circumstances surrounding the close call.

Reports indicate that an IndiGo flight arriving from Indore was mistakenly cleared to land on the same runway where an Air India aircraft was in the process of taking off for Thiruvananthapuram. The situation escalated as the Air India flight was still accelerating down the runway for takeoff while the IndiGo aircraft began its descent for landing. Miraculously, the Air India flight managed to lift off just in time, narrowly avoiding a collision with the incoming IndiGo plane.

Yesterday’s incident at #MumbaiAirport where an @IndiGo6E plane landed while an @airindia flight was taking off on the same runway is extremely concerning. The runway is already over-congested, handling over 1,000 flights daily, making it prone to risks.@MoCA_GoI & @DGCAIndia… pic.twitter.com/br7j3SyB9Z
— Milind Deora | मिलिंद देवरा ☮️ (@milinddeora) June 9, 2024

In response to the incident, the DGCA swiftly took action by removing the Air Traffic Control (ATC) staff member who cleared the IndiGo flight to land on the occupied runway, pending the outcome of the investigation. Both airlines have also issued statements regarding the incident, with Air India asserting that their aircraft was cleared for takeoff by ATC.

The viral video footage of the incident, widely circulated on social media, depicts the tense moment when both planes are seen occupying the same runway. As the Air India aircraft initiates its takeoff roll, the IndiGo plane can be observed descending for landing, highlighting the gravity of the situation.

Commenting on the incident, Alok Yadav, General Secretary of the ATC Guild India, emphasized the complexities of managing high-intensity airports like Mumbai and Delhi, where numerous flights operate hourly. He noted that air traffic controllers (ATCOs) play a crucial role in ensuring the safe arrival and departure of planes and passengers. Yadav also suggested that the visibility at the time of the incident appeared to be adequate, indicating the need for a thorough investigation into the matter.

Airlines

British Airways Unveils Its Brand-New First Class Cabin for the Airbus A380

British Airways has introduced its brand-new First Class seat, blending sleek design with expert British craftsmanship. Reflecting modern British luxury travel, this new cabin is part of the airline’s Airbus A380 retrofit plans, set to take flight in mid-2026.

The updated First Class cabin has been crafted to feel like a modern luxury hotel in the sky, complete with cozy touches and thoughtful British details.

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Designed by top experts from across Great Britain and Ireland—including London, Glasgow, West Yorkshire, Kilkeel, and Dublin—the seat reflects the best of British design and quality.

Features and Comforts
The new First Class seat is ultra-wide at 36.5 inches, with a bed length of 79 inches for ultimate comfort. It includes:

A multi-purpose ottoman and stowable table.
A 32-inch 4K TV screen.
Adjustable mood lighting with modes like “relax,” “dine,” and “cinema.”
A cocooned 60-inch curved wall for privacy while maintaining a spacious feel.

Passengers traveling together can enjoy a shared experience with a sliding divider that creates a lounge-like space. The stowable tables also allow for “buddy dining,” where two people can dine together.

The cabin’s flowing curves, inspired by the iconic Concorde wings, create a welcoming and stylish environment. Additionally, passengers can now wheel their luggage directly into their personal storage space, making settling in easier.

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British Airways carefully considered customer feedback when designing this cabin. The seat includes practical storage and features like a fully rectangular bed for home-like comfort. Every detail, from usability to elegance, has been designed to enhance the travel experience.

British Airways is proud to be the only UK-based European airline offering a First Class product across the Atlantic. british airways premium economy and First Class travelers enjoy exclusive perks such as stylish seats, access to luxury lounges, fast-track security, and the First Wing at Heathrow. The airline ensures a premium experience from booking to landing.

This cabin upgrade is part of British Airways’ £7 billion investment in improving customer experiences. The airline has already introduced over 120 initiatives, including new short-haul seats, free onboard Wi-Fi messaging, and refreshed lounges worldwide.