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Picture Courtesy: The Hindu

Context:

On 5th December 2024, an Air India Airbus A320 aircraft flying for Hyderabad, had to reject takeoff at Goa's Mopa airport after mistakenly entering a parallel taxiway instead of the main runway. The incident falls under the category of "runway confusion."  

Past incidents of runway confusion

• In 1993, a Jet Airways flight landed at the Sulur airbase instead of the Peelamedu civil airport.
• In September 2002, a Jet Airways flight landed on the taxi track at Goa's Dabolim airport.
• In June 2007 and December 2008, Spicejet flights landed on the wrong runways in Delhi and Kolkata, respectively.
• In March 2009 and September 2018, other flights landed on the wrong runways in Kolkata and the Maldives.
• Several airlines have cancelled takeoffs and made incorrect landings over the years.

Common aviation issues 

Indian airlines frequently experience accidents that cause runway overruns. These incidents resulted in serious damage and fatalities.

India's flight and duty time regulations are regarded as among the poorest. Crew members are under pressure to exceed safe operating limits, which leads to errors and accidents.

Lack of visionary and disciplinary steps by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). They frequently blame the pilot for the error without addressing the problems.

Way Forward

India needs to improve the understanding of runway markings, comply with stabilised approach criteria, and improve airline training and safety standards. The judiciary and regulatory bodies must take a more informed and proactive approach to aviation safety.

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Source: 

The Hindu