Is the Mumbai Airport Safe Amidst Near-Miss Incidents?

Recently, the Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) witnessed a high-profile near-miss incident, where an arriving IndiGo plane and a departing Air India plane nearly collided on the same runway. This event, akin to the exciting scenes seen in movies, highlights the potential risks and challenges faced by air traffic management in densely operating airports.

Narrow Escape at Mumbai Airport

On June 8, 2024, a proximity incident involving Air India and IndiGo planes drew global attention. The Air India aircraft was preparing for take-off from runway 25L, while the IndiGo plane was about to land on the same runway in a matter of minutes. Despite the tight timing and lack of space, the Air India flight managed to lift off just before the IndiGo aircraft touched down. This narrow escape underscores the complexities of air traffic management at peaks of high-intensity operations (HIRO) at Mumbai's airport.

Facilities and Air Traffic Capacity

Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport features two intersecting runways that necessitate single runway operations during peak hours. This arrangement significantly challenges air traffic management, particularly during HIRO periods when up to 46 aircraft movements (arrivals and departures) are attempted in an hour. During NON-HIRO times, the peak hourly capacity is reduced to 44 aircraft movements. Due to these constraints, the airport must meticulously coordinate takeoffs and landings to ensure safety.

Understanding Air Traffic Management at Mumbai Airport

The airport's operational challenges are compounded by the limited runway capacity. Single runway operations are controlled through rigorous protocols, including dynamic slot allocation, de-energization of runways, and close supervision by air traffic control. These measures aim to minimize the risk of such near-misses and ensure the safe and efficient movement of aircraft. The HIRO and NON-HIRO periods illustrate the variability in airport capacity based on real-time traffic conditions and maintenance schedules.

Conclusion

While the Mumbai Airport managed to avert a disaster on June 8, 2024, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of robust air traffic management systems. The airport's operational excellence and safety measures are crucial in preventing such close calls. However, the continued optimization of air traffic control and runway management systems remains essential to maintain the highest levels of safety for all air travelers.