Emirates says fliers were safe, Spicejet says no role

Hyderabad: A mid-air mishap was averted recently thanks to an auto-generated warning after a SpiceJet aircraft came in close proximity of an overflying Emirates plane in Indian airspace.

The Traffic Collision Avoidance System monitors the airspace around an aircraft for other aircraft equipped with a corresponding active transponder, independent of air-traffic control, and warns pilots of the presence of other transponder-equipped aircraft.

Air safety officials of the DGCA, who conducted a preliminary enquiry, have handed over the investigation to the regional investigation board at Chennai.

When contacted, DGCA director (Air Safety) Mr Maneesh Kumar confirmed that AIB at Chennai was investigating into the incident.

“The report will be submitted in a month, based on which appropriate action will be initiated,” he told this newspaper.

DGCA Chennai deputy director (air safety), C.P.M.P. Raju said the incident occurred over Bengaluru air space. "We cannot give details with the investigation going on," he said.

Emirates meanwhile confirmed that flight EK433 from Brisbane to Dubai had received indications of proximity traffic.

The flight crew correctly followed the on-board system guidance to remain clear, following which they reported the occurrence to ATC.

“At no time were passengers in any danger. The safety of our passengers and crew as always is our top priority,” Emirates was quoted as saying in a statement.

SpiceJet sources said the ATC had instructed the plane to climb and maintain 36,000 ft due to traffic at 37,000.

“While passing flight level 35,000, ATC instructed the pilot to stop climbing. By that time the aircraft had climbed to 35,400 feet. Our flight descended back to 35,000 during which the SpiceJet aircraft got a descend resolution advisory”.