New Delhi: Mumbai airport operator MIAL has imposed a Rs 10 lakh penalty on state-owned AI Airport Services Ltd (AIASL) after a ground handling incident in which a detached dolly struck and damaged a parked Gulf Air aircraft earlier this month.
Describing the episode as a major incident with significant reputational impact, MIAL said the accident occurred on April 10 during towing operations near aircraft stands. AIASL personnel were moving loaded containers mounted on dollies along the head-of-stand road when one of the rear dollies became detached, moved uncontrollably, and collided with the parked aircraft.
The impact caused damage to the aircraft's airframe, particularly in the forward section, leading to it being declared "Aircraft on Ground" (AOG). The aircraft belongs to Bahrain-based Gulf Air, though specific details about the plane were not immediately available.
In a letter dated April 15, MIAL said the incident has not only hurt the airport's reputation but also led to financial and operational setbacks. The grounding of the aircraft has disrupted aeronautical and related revenues linked to aircraft operations, while also creating inefficiencies and constraints on airport capacity.
Along with the Rs 10 lakh fine, MIAL has reserved the right to seek additional compensation from AIASL for losses and damages incurred due to the incident. Agencies