A potential collision was narrowly avoided at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) when an Indian carrier’s Airbus A320, arriving from Phuket, Thailand, did not vacate the runway in a timely manner. This incident occurred as a SWISS Airbus A330 was making its approach from Zurich, Switzerland. The situation prompted the Delhi Air Traffic Control (ATC) to instruct the SWISS flight to perform a go-around maneuver at an altitude of 1,400 feet to ensure safety.

The incident highlights the critical role of air traffic control in managing aircraft movements and ensuring passenger safety. The go-around procedure is a standard aviation practice used to prevent potential collisions when a runway is not clear for landing. In this case, the SWISS flight was approaching the runway when it became apparent that the Indian carrier’s aircraft had not yet vacated the area. The ATC’s quick decision-making was crucial in directing the SWISS flight to ascend and circle back for another landing attempt.

Such incidents underscore the importance of communication and coordination between pilots and air traffic controllers. The ability to execute a go-around safely requires precise timing and adherence to established protocols. While go-arounds are relatively common and part of routine operations, they serve as a reminder of the complexities involved in managing busy airports like IGIA.

The aviation industry continually works to enhance safety measures and improve procedures to minimize such occurrences. This event at Delhi Airport serves as an example of effective crisis management and highlights the importance of maintaining vigilance in air traffic operations.