A potentially serious incident was averted at Srinagar International Airport on Friday morning when an IndiGo aircraft collided with a pole during parking maneuvers. The flight, arriving from Navi Mumbai, struck a Visual Docking Guidance System (VDGS) pole while being positioned at Bay No. 6, causing damage to the aircraft but resulting in no injuries to passengers or crew .
Incident Details
The incident occurred at approximately 9:02 AM on September 4, 2026, involving IndiGo Flight 6E 225 (aircraft registration VT-NOG) operating from Navi Mumbai to Srinagar . According to the Airports Authority of India (AAI), the aircraft came into contact with the VDGS pole during the parking process at Bay Number 06 .
An official at the airport indicated that the aircraft’s braking system may have failed during the parking maneuver, preventing it from stopping in time before colliding with the pole installed at the parking bay . The front nose section of the aircraft sustained damage, leading to the flight being grounded .
Visuals from the accident site showed the metal pole knocked sideways after impact . Despite the collision, all passengers and crew members on board were reported safe, with no injuries sustained .
Passenger Deboarding and Airport Operations
Following the incident, passengers and crew were safely deboarded using manual aircraft stairs, as the aerobridge could not be used . Airport authorities confirmed that operations at Srinagar Airport remained unaffected, with flight arrivals and departures continuing according to schedule .
Investigation Underway
A detailed investigation has been ordered to determine the exact cause of the incident . The AAI stated that the circumstances and details leading to the incident would be examined by the appropriate authorities as per prescribed procedures .
“The exact cause will be ascertained following the completion of the inquiry, and no conclusion regarding the cause is being drawn at this stage,” the AAI said in a statement .
Understanding the VDGS System
The Visual Docking Guidance System (VDGS) is an electronic apron stand system that uses lasers, sensors, or cameras to guide pilots during the final docking phase, eliminating the need for manual ground marshals . Mounted on terminal walls or dedicated poles near aerobridges, the system calculates the aircraft’s center-line position, speed, and distance to the stopping point, displaying real-time visual alignment cues on an LED screen to the cockpit .
This incident highlights the importance of ground handling safety protocols. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has increasingly scrutinized ground-handling mishaps, particularly as they can occur even after a successful landing . Authorities have confirmed that no conclusion about the cause has been reached at this stage, and the investigation is ongoing .
References
Daily Pioneer – IndiGo flight hits docking pole at Srinagar airport
ETV Bharat – IndiGo Flight Hits VDGS Pole At Srinagar Airport
Times of India – IndiGo flight from Navi Mumbai hits pole at Srinagar airport
Lokmat Times – IndiGo aircraft hits parking pole at Srinagar Airport
Daily Excelsior – Indigo Flight Hits Pole While Parking At Srinagar Airport
Mathrubhumi – IndiGo flight hits guidance pole while parking at Srinagar Airport
Republic World – IndiGo Flight 6E 225 Hits Pole After Landing At Srinagar Airport
The New Indian Express – IndiGo flight hits parking guidance pole at Srinagar airport
Zee News – IndiGo Flight 6E 225 grounded after parking incident at Srinagar Airport
Deccan Herald – IndiGo flight hits pole while parking at Srinagar airport
The Indian Express – IndiGo flight from Navi Mumbai hits guidance pole at Srinagar airport
Times Now – IndiGo Flight Hits Guidance Pole While Parking At Srinagar Airport