Akasa Air Boeing 737 Hit by Ground Equipment at Bengaluru Airport

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BENGALURU- An incident unfolded at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) early on August 13, 2025, involving an Akasa Air (QP) Boeing 737 MAX aircraft that sustained damage at Bengaluru Airport after being struck by ground service equipment. The vehicle was being operated by a third-party agency.

There were no passengers or crew nearby at the time, and fortunately, no injuries were reported. An internal investigation is underway to determine the cause. While no injuries were reported, the incident has reignited concerns over ground handling safety at India’s busiest airports.

Akasa Air began operations in 2022. The airline currently operates a fleet of 30 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, with plans to expand to 72 by 2027. The airline’s rapid growth has been matched by a growing presence in competitive metro-to-metro routes. Akasa says operational reliability is a key priority for the airline.

Photo: Utkarsh Thakkar (Vimanspotter)

Akasa Air 737 Hit by Ground Equipment

The ground-handling equipment grazed a parked Akasa Air Boeing 737 MAX, causing visible damage to its undercarriage. The collision occurred at approximately 12:15 PM, involving a parked Akasa Air Boeing 737 MAX. The aircraft was undergoing routine maintenance checks.

A ground vehicle, reportedly operated by a contracted handling agency, grazed the aircraft’s undercarriage. An airport spokesperson confirmed there were no passengers or crew on board at the time. Akasa Air has launched an internal investigation.

The airline cited that it is a possible driver error and is working with the ground handling company to determine accountability. The extent of the damage is still being assessed, but initial reports suggest the aircraft could require temporary grounding for repairs.

Mechanical and human-error-related ground incidents are becoming more prominent. Experts attribute this to rising air traffic and the increasing use of outsourced ground handling services, where training and oversight vary across agencies.

Photo: Anurag Bengani | Vecc_Spotting

Airline and Airport Response

Akasa Air issued a statement where the airline showed its commitment to passenger safety. The airline said that the incident will not impact immediate operations. Contingency plans are in place to ensure minimal disruption to scheduled flights.

Airport authorities have also stepped in to review safety protocols for ground movements. Bengaluru Airport, which handled 41.9 million passengers in FY 2024–25, has seen a noticeable uptick in minor ground incidents this year.

The airport saw an alarming 15% more incidents than last year. This is the second such case in 2025 at the airport. In April, a tempo traveller struck an IndiGo aircraft in a separate incident. Bird strikes have historically been a major safety concern at Indian airports—with KIA reporting 343 such cases since 2020.

Despite assurances, the incident has fueled concerns and calls from safety advocates for stricter regulation of ground handling operations. Suggestions include standardized nationwide training for ground staff, enhanced vehicle movement controls on aprons, and greater accountability for contracted service providers.

Photo: avgeekwithlens/ Harsh Tekriwal

Impact on Airlines’ Scheduling

If the damaged aircraft requires extended repairs, Akasa may need to shuffle its fleet, potentially using older planes or adjusting schedules. Passengers booked on affected routes could face flight cancellations and rebookings. The airline has urged customers to check flight statuses through its website and social media channels for real-time updates.

It obviously is not pleasant news for the airline. Akasa is in the midst of network expansion to new Domestic and International destinations. The airline recently announced flights to Phuket. Such incidents disrupt the operations and would lead to the grounding of affected aircraft.

India’s aviation industry is experiencing unprecedented growth, having handled a record 150 million passengers in FY 2024–25. New airlines—such as the soon-to-launch Alhind Air—will be entering the market. This makes operational safety a critical focus area.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is going to closely monitor the findings of Akasa’s investigation. They may also issue updated guidelines on ground operations. For airports like KIA, which serve as major hubs for multiple carriers, avoiding such incidents will be vital to maintaining efficiency.

Bottom line

The final investigation report, anticipated in the coming days, will likely recommend corrective actions for both Akasa Air and the airport’s ground handling agencies. In the meantime, the airline remains committed to continuing to operate the flights without major disruptions.

However, if the airline needs to ground the aircraft for longer than expected during the checks, it might cancel some flights.

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