IndiGo A321 Scrapes Runway at Chennai Airport
IndiGo Airlines Experiences Tail Strike Incident at Chennai Airport
On March 8, 2025, an IndiGo Airlines (6E) Airbus A321, registered as VT-IBI, encountered a tail strike while landing at Chennai Airport (MAA). This incident has raised safety concerns and resulted in the aircraft being grounded for thorough inspection. The flight was part of a regular route from Mumbai (BOM) to Chennai (MAA).
IndiGo Tail Strike Incident Details
Following the incident, IndiGo promptly informed aviation authorities, and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Board (AAIB) has launched a formal investigation. This tail strike marks another addition to a troubling trend, with IndiGo reporting a total of eight tail strikes involving its A321 fleet in the last 18 months.
In an official statement, IndiGo confirmed, “On March 8, 2025, an IndiGo Airbus A321 aircraft tail touched the runway during landing at Chennai airport. The aircraft is grounded and will return to operations after necessary repairs and clearance.” The airline reassured customers of its unwavering commitment to safety, stating, “At IndiGo, the safety of our customers, crew, and aircraft is our top priority. We operate with the highest standards of safety.” The airline also extended apologies for the subsequent flight cancellations due to the grounding of the aircraft.
Previous Incidents Involving VT-IBI
Interestingly, this particular A321 aircraft, VT-IBI, is no stranger to controversy. It previously experienced a tail strike last September and had only returned to service about a month ago after an extended period of grounding. This history raises questions about the aircraft’s reliability and the airline’s operational protocols.
Recent Safety Protocols at IndiGo Airlines
In addition to the tail strike incident, another IndiGo flight executed a standard safety procedure at Bengaluru Airport on Sunday, causing temporary concern among passengers. Flight 6E498, which departed from Jaipur Airport, performed a "go-around" after a brief touch down on the runway. This maneuver is a critical safety protocol used when pilots assess that landing conditions are not optimal.
Passengers reported moments of anxiety during this unexpected ascent; however, the flight crew reassured them that the go-around was a routine safety measure. The aircraft circled Bengaluru Airport for about 20 minutes before successfully landing, with IndiGo sources citing an unstable approach as the reason for the maneuver.
Ongoing Investigations and Safety Measures
In a related incident, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has suspended the pilots involved in a tail strike at Delhi Airport on September 9, 2024. This incident affected IndiGo Airlines flight 6E6054, also an Airbus A321neo registered as VT-IBI. The aircraft remained grounded for eight days following this event. As investigations continue, the DGCA has not disclosed the length of the pilots’ suspension.
For more information on aviation safety protocols and related incidents, you can visit the DGCA official website and explore articles on aviation safety.
Conclusion
As IndiGo Airlines continues to navigate through these safety challenges, the focus remains on ensuring the well-being of its passengers and crew. We encourage readers to share their thoughts on aviation safety and stay informed by reading related articles on our site.
