Tempo Traveller Crashes Into Parked IndiGo Plane at Bengaluru Airport; Probe Ordered
A tempo traveller collided with a grounded IndiGo aircraft at Bengaluru airport on Friday, prompting the airline to launch an internal probe into the incident. No injuries were reported.
A tempo traveller, operated by a third-party ground handling agency, struck a stationary IndiGo aircraft at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport on April 18. The impact damaged the front section of the aircraft, with visuals showing the vehicle wedged under the aircraft’s nose and its windscreen shattered.
The incident occurred at approximately 12:15 PM and involved a non-operational aircraft parked on the tarmac. Fortunately, the plane was empty and no injuries were reported, airport authorities confirmed.
IndiGo Airlines confirmed the ground incident and blamed it on the negligence of the tempo traveller’s driver.
“We are aware of the ground incident at Bengaluru airport involving a parked IndiGo aircraft and a third-party ground vehicle. Investigations are ongoing, and all necessary action shall be initiated,” the airline said in a statement.
Airport officials echoed the airline’s statement and said the matter is being thoroughly reviewed.
A spokesperson for Bengaluru airport said all safety procedures were followed immediately after the incident.
“On April 18, 2025, at approximately 12:15 PM, a vehicle operated by a third-party ground handling agency made contact with the undercarriage of a non-operational aircraft on ground. There were no injuries reported,” the airport said.
“All necessary protocols have been promptly followed in coordination with relevant stakeholders. The safety and security of our passengers, airline partners, and airport personnel remain our highest priority,” the spokesperson added.
While rare, ground-handling errors have been a concern in Indian aviation, particularly at busy international airports. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has previously stressed the need for better training and oversight of third-party agencies working in high-security zones of airports.
The DGCA is expected to look into the matter as part of its ongoing monitoring of ground handling operations. IndiGo’s internal inquiry is also expected to result in accountability and preventive measures to avoid such lapses in the future.
