A Delhi-bound SpiceJet Boeing 737 with 146 passengers hit a buffalo while taxiing on the runway of the Surat airport on Thursday evening, but the pilot brought the aircraft back safely to the apron. Another aircraft was called from Mumbai and the passengers were flown to Delhi around midnight.
Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju ordered an inquiry. The accident took place when a U.S. Federal Aviation Authority team is due to visit India in a month to assess whether civil aviation safety improved in the country since the authority downgraded it to Category II status.
Mr. Raju called a meeting of top officials who were told to take immediate action if the airport boundary had been breached. Within a month, the Airports Authority of India will despatch teams to all airports facing similar safety concerns. Remedial measures will be taken within three months.
Civil Aviation Ministry officials said animals from surrounding villages had breached airport boundaries earlier also. Fish ponds near the boundary wall at the Surat airport attract birds. As no remedial measure has been taken, officials spoke to the Gujarat Chief Secretary on Friday.
