19 'near-miss' incidents in Mumbai airspace since 2013
The Mumbai Air Traffic Control handles approximately 780 take-offs and landings per day
New Delhi: A total of 19 'near-miss' incidents involving aircraft of various operators has been reported in Mumbai airspace in the past two-and-a-half years, Rajya Sabha was informed on Thursday.
The number of "near-miss" incidents in Mumbai airspace during 2013 were nine, while in 2014 the number stood at four, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Mahesh Sharma said in a written reply in Rajya Sabha.
A total of six such incidents has been reported this year (up to June 30), the minister said, adding that all such incidents are investigated by Airprox Investigation Team and its recommendations are implemented.
Airprox is a situation when two aircraft come dangerously close to each other.
As per the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), airprox is defined as a situation in which, in the opinion of a pilot or air traffic services personnel, the distance between aircraft as well as their relative positions and speed have been such that the safety of the aircraft involved may have been compromised.
This situation is expected only at a time of actual risk, not potential risk.
The Mumbai Air Traffic Control handles approximately 780 take-offs and landings per day, in addition to the overflying aircraft.