DUBAI A possible disaster involving two flights belonging to Emirates and Etihad Airways was averted over Indian airspace on the night of March 29 after the two planes came too close for comfort.
Emirates flight EK-706 was headed back to Dubai from Seychelles while Etihad flight EY-622 was carrying passengers from Abu Dhabi to Seychelles when the incident occurred. According to India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), which has ordered an inquiry into the near miss, both aircraft received an anti-collision alert from their in-built Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS), which helped save the day. Hindustan Times reported that the two mid-air planes were separated by 25 to 30 seconds. However, this was not confirmed by the two airlines.
Official statement
An Emirates spokesperson said: “Emirates can confirm that flight EK 706 on 29 March from Seychelles to Dubai was involved in an Air Traffic Control incident in Mumbai airspace. At no point was the aircraft, passengers or crew at risk. All Emirates aircraft are equipped with onboard instrumentation so that crew are alerted in a timely manner of all surrounding traffic.”
Etihad Airways has strongly rejected claims that the safety of flight EY622, Abu Dhabi to the Seychelles, was compromised. An airline spokesperson said: “The traffic collision avoidance system (TCAS), which is fitted on all aircraft, ensured that safe vertical separation of both aircraft was maintained at all times. Etihad Airways has provided its safety reports to the GCAA and is assisting with its investigation as well as conducting its own investigation. ”
