SUV rams IndiGo plane engine at Kolkata airport; aircraft grounded

KOLKATA: An IndiGo A 320 aircraft that was parked in the apron area of Kolkata airport was damaged when a vehicle ferrying Oberoi catering officials dashed its right engine on Tuesday night. The airline’s engineers are assessing the damage.

Prima facie, the damage appeared to be extensive and is likely to ground the aircraft for days.

The airport authority has initiated an inquiry into the incident.

Sources said an Oberoi catering SUV bumped into the rear of starboard engine of the aircraft around 9.30pm on Tuesday. There was no passenger or crew on the plane.

An IndiGo statement said: “An unmanned vehicle on the apron moved and came in contact with a parked IndiGo aircraft. The relevant authorities have been informed. The aircraft is grounded undergoing inspections and necessary maintenance before being cleared for operations. The aircraft was scheduled to operate flight 6E 6663 to Guwahati. An alternate aircraft has been arranged.”