Akasa Air Ground Collision Highlights Mumbai Airport Safety Gaps

Akasa Air Ground Collision Incident at Mumbai Airport: A Comprehensive Analysis of Ground Handling Safety

On July 14, 2025, a cargo truck operated by a third-party ground handler collided with a parked Akasa Air Boeing 737 MAX aircraft at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. While no injuries were reported, the incident resulted in damage to the aircraft’s winglet and raised immediate concerns about ground safety practices at Indian airports. The plane had just completed flight QP-1736 from Bengaluru and was stationary during cargo offloading when the truck struck the wing.

This incident underscores a growing concern in aviation: ground handling safety. Globally, ground incidents are significantly more frequent than in-flight accidents and contribute to billions in annual damages. With the aviation industry poised for rapid expansion, particularly in emerging markets like India, the importance of robust ground safety protocols cannot be overstated. This article explores the incident, its broader implications, and the evolving regulatory and technological landscape aimed at mitigating such risks.

Background and Context of the Incident

Akasa Air’s Operations

Akasa Air is a relatively new entrant in India’s aviation sector, having commenced commercial operations in August 2022. As of June 2025, the airline operates a fleet of 30 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft and holds a 4–5% share of the domestic market. Its business model emphasizes low-cost operations with a focus on expanding connectivity across Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.

The airline has ambitious growth plans, including the acquisition of 200 additional aircraft comprising Boeing 737 MAX 10 and MAX 200 variants. Backed by significant investment, Akasa Air aims to become a major player in the Indian aviation landscape. However, rapid expansion often comes with operational and logistical challenges, including those related to ground handling and safety.

In this context, the July 2025 incident is particularly significant. It not only disrupted operations but also raised questions about the safety standards maintained by third-party service providers contracted by airlines like Akasa Air.

The Incident Details

The collision occurred during the early morning hours of July 14, 2025. A cargo truck operated by Bird Worldwide Flight Services, a third-party ground handler, struck the wingtip of a parked Akasa Air Boeing 737 MAX at Mumbai Airport. The aircraft had just completed its flight from Bengaluru and was undergoing routine unloading of baggage and cargo.

Photographic evidence from the scene shows the aircraft’s wing embedded into the truck’s cargo hold area, indicating a significant misjudgment of distance by the vehicle operator. Although the aircraft was empty at the time, the damage to the winglet necessitated a detailed inspection and grounding of the aircraft.

Akasa Air issued a statement confirming the involvement of a third-party handler and initiated an internal investigation in collaboration with Bird Group. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) was also notified, and the incident is under regulatory review.

Third-Party Ground Handling in Aviation

Third-party ground handling is a common practice in the aviation industry, allowing airlines to outsource services such as baggage handling, cargo loading, aircraft towing, and refueling. While this model offers cost efficiencies, it also introduces complexities related to accountability and safety.

In India, approximately 80% of ground handling operations are outsourced. Companies like Bird Worldwide Flight Services operate at multiple airports, serving various airlines. However, oversight and standardization across these handlers remain inconsistent, leading to safety vulnerabilities.

The Akasa Air incident is not isolated. It follows closely on the heels of an Air India aircraft mishap in Ahmedabad in June 2025, which prompted the DGCA to conduct audits at major airports. These audits revealed multiple deficiencies, including the use of vehicles without speed governors, a critical safety lapse.

“Ground incidents are 800 times more likely than other aviation accidents, with motorized ground equipment responsible for 33% of all ground damage.”, IATA

Ground Handling Safety: Statistics and Systemic Risks

Global Ground Incident Statistics

Ground handling incidents are among the most frequent and costly in aviation. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), ground-related events are 800 times more likely than other types of aviation accidents. These incidents include collisions with aircraft, equipment failures, and human errors during loading and unloading.

Industry data shows that motorized Ground Support Equipment (GSE) such as cargo loaders and belt loaders are responsible for 40% of ground damage. Common causes include poor visibility, lack of training, and miscommunication among ground crew. In the case of the Akasa Air incident, wingtip misjudgment, a frequent error, was the likely cause.

These statistics highlight the need for more stringent safety protocols and better training for ground staff. With air traffic expected to increase in the coming years, the risks associated with inadequate ground handling will only intensify.

Cost Implications

The financial impact of ground handling incidents is substantial. IATA estimates that the average cost per incident in general aviation is around $124,000. For composite aircraft like the Boeing 737 MAX, repairs can be significantly more expensive. A wingtip repair alone may cost up to $1.5 million, compared to $50,000 for older metal aircraft.

These costs are not limited to repairs. Aircraft downtime, flight cancellations, and reputational damage can further strain an airline’s finances. For Akasa Air, which reported a net liability in fiscal year 2024, such incidents pose a serious operational and financial challenge.

If current trends continue, global ground damage costs could reach $10 billion annually by 2035, a figure that underscores the urgency for preventive measures and technological upgrades in ground operations.

Common Causes and Human Error

Human error remains a leading cause of ground handling incidents. Factors such as fatigue, lack of situational awareness, and inadequate training contribute to a high rate of accidents. In surveys conducted by IATA, nearly half of ground handlers reported experiencing near-miss incidents within a three-year period.

In high-traffic airports like Mumbai, the pressure to maintain tight turnaround schedules exacerbates these risks. Limited space, poor lighting, and the absence of real-time guidance tools further increase the likelihood of accidents.

Technological solutions such as proximity sensors, automated braking systems, and augmented reality (AR) visors have shown promise in reducing human error. However, adoption remains limited, especially in cost-sensitive markets.

Regulatory Framework and Industry Initiatives

Recent Regulatory Developments

In March 2025, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) introduced the first comprehensive ground handling safety regulations. These rules require ground handlers to obtain state certification and adhere to standardized safety protocols by 2028. The regulations aim to address accountability gaps and improve coordination between airlines, airports, and service providers.

Jesper Rasmussen, EASA’s Director of Flight Standards, emphasized that the new framework is intended to “support a safe and efficient interface between aircraft and aerodrome operations.” The move has been welcomed by industry stakeholders and is expected to serve as a model for other regions.

India’s DGCA has also taken steps to enhance ground safety, including mandatory training and equipment standards. However, enforcement continues to be a challenge, as evidenced by the recent audit findings at Mumbai and Delhi airports.

IATA’s Role and Technology Solutions

IATA has been at the forefront of promoting safety in ground operations. The organization’s Enhanced GSE initiative advocates for the use of anti-collision technologies, including proximity sensors and automated braking systems. Studies suggest that widespread adoption could reduce ground damage costs by up to 42%.

Digital tools such as electronic load sheets and AR-based training modules have also shown promising results. In pilot programs at airports like Singapore Changi, AR visors helped reduce wingtip misjudgment incidents by 67%.

Despite these advancements, cost remains a barrier to implementation, particularly for smaller operators and service providers. Industry experts argue that regulatory incentives and public-private partnerships could accelerate adoption.

Challenges in Implementation

One of the main challenges in improving ground safety is the fragmented nature of the ground handling ecosystem. With multiple stakeholders involved, airlines, airports, third-party handlers, ensuring uniform standards is difficult.

Financial constraints also play a role. Many ground handling companies operate on thin margins, limiting their ability to invest in new technologies or comprehensive training programs. This is particularly true in emerging markets, where cost pressures are more acute.

To address these challenges, experts recommend contractual reforms that include liability clauses, performance-based incentives, and shared investment in safety infrastructure.

Conclusion and Future Implications

The Akasa Air ground collision incident serves as a wake-up call for the aviation industry. It highlights the vulnerabilities in current ground handling practices and the urgent need for systemic reforms. While no injuries occurred, the financial and operational impact was significant, and the event exposed broader issues related to training, oversight, and accountability.

Looking forward, the combination of regulatory reforms, technological innovation, and cross-industry collaboration offers a pathway to enhanced safety. As air traffic continues to grow, the stakes will only get higher. The lessons from this incident should not be ignored; they should catalyze meaningful change across the sector.

FAQ

What caused the Akasa Air ground collision?
A cargo truck operated by a third-party ground handler collided with the wing of a parked Akasa Air aircraft during cargo offloading. Human error and lack of real-time guidance were likely factors.

Was anyone injured in the incident?
No, the aircraft was empty at the time of the collision, and no injuries were reported.

What actions are being taken to prevent similar incidents?
Regulatory bodies like EASA and DGCA are implementing stricter safety protocols, and industry organizations like IATA are promoting the use of Enhanced Ground Support Equipment and digital tools to reduce human error.

Sources:
Hindustan Times,
IATA,
EASA,
CNBC TV18,
Business Standard