Akasa Air Boeing 737 Struck by Ground Equipment at Bengaluru Airport

(BENGALURU) An Akasa Air Boeing 737 parked overnight at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) was struck by ground equipment before dawn on August 13, 2025, causing a crack on the aircraft’s landing gear door and triggering a safety review.

The airline said the incident occurred at 4:41 am at Stand 26 when a Ground Power Unit (GPU) operated by third-party handler GlobeGround India came loose from an Electrical Baggage Tug and rolled into the stationary jet. No passengers or staff were near the plane, and no injuries were reported.

The aircraft has been removed from service for inspection. Akasa Air confirmed that engineers are assessing the damage and that the carrier is cooperating with authorities.

Incident context and trend at Bengaluru

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, this was the second collision involving ground equipment at Bengaluru’s airport in 2025. The airport has seen a 15% increase in such events compared to 2024.

This trend has intensified debate about how fast-growing airports manage ground safety while handling rising traffic and multiple service vendors. Aviation safety specialists point to factors that raise risk:

• Frequent handoffs between teams
• Tight turnaround times
• Mixed fleets of tugs, loaders, and GPUs
• Gaps in standards, training, and supervision during rapid growth

Statements and immediate actions

Akasa Air said a “thorough inspection” is underway to determine the full extent of the damage. Bengaluru International Airport Limited, which runs the airport, did not comment as of publication. GlobeGround India had not issued a public statement.

The aircraft has been taken out of service while engineers and authorities assess and document the situation.

Related incidents this year

This event echoes earlier ground collisions in 2025:

• In April, a tempo traveller hit a grounded IndiGo aircraft at the same airport.
• On July 14, a cargo truck struck another Akasa Air Boeing 737 at Mumbai airport, also involving a third-party handler.

While causes differ, the pattern is prompting airlines and airports to reassess how ground vehicles are managed near parked and taxiing aircraft and how quickly incidents are flagged and isolated.

Airport safety oversight and regulatory context

Regulators have responded to rising concerns. India’s civil aviation authority has increased checks on ground operations and recently required added safety steps for airlines flying Boeing 737 and 787 aircraft.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) says operators must document corrective actions and proof of compliance after such events. Official guidance and circulars are available on the DGCA website: https://dgca.gov.in.

Airport operators are reviewing:

• Layouts at high-traffic stands
• Visibility markings for drivers
• Condition and parking practices for equipment such as GPUs and tugs

Standard post-incident process (what typically happens)

Airlines follow a standard process after a ground strike to protect safety and return aircraft to service only when ready:

1. Immediate grounding of the aircraft for inspection.
2. Visual and non-destructive checks of the affected area (here, the landing gear door).
3. Internal investigations by the airline and ground handler, with reports sent to airport authorities and the DGCA.
4. Repairs carried out to manufacturer standards, followed by certification.
5. Final airworthiness sign-off before the next flight.

Important: Even minor cracks near landing gear doors require careful checks because those panels open and close under stress on every flight.

Each step takes time. Operators usually keep spare capacity to cover such downtime, but during peak periods a single grounded jet can ripple through schedules.

Operational impact for airlines and passengers

For passengers:
– No one was onboard and no injuries occurred.
– There were no in-flight emergencies or evacuations.
– Travel impacts would occur only if repairs keep the plane out of service longer than planned.
– Akasa Air says it is meeting regulatory requirements and working with authorities.

For airlines:
– Ground collisions add cost (repair bills, missed flying time) and operational pressure (crew reassignments).
– Repeated incidents trigger insurance reviews, audits, and potential demands for training or equipment upgrades.

Industry context:
– Akasa Air has grown rapidly since its 2022 launch, with a fleet of 30 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft as of July 2025 and a larger order book pending.
– Rapid expansion often requires fast onboarding of staff and vendors, which works if training and ramp discipline remain strong—but failsafe practices are essential when lapses occur.

Practical fixes and safety measures recommended

Aviation safety experts point to practical fixes that have succeeded elsewhere:

• Geofencing for ground vehicles
• Automatic braking when tow bars or power units detach
• Mandatory wheel chocks and park brakes
• Clearer stand markings and physical barriers where needed
• Cameras or sensors to alert control rooms when equipment strays into no-go zones
• Routine ramp “walks” by supervisors
• Short, frequent refresher training for drivers, especially during shift changes and overnight hours

Accountability, investigation focus, and policy outlook

Investigators will examine basics such as:

• Was the GPU secured?
• Did the tug’s operator follow parking and detachment rules?
• Were maintenance checks current?
• Are there blind spots at Stand 26 at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) requiring new markings or barriers?

Officials expect further action at the policy level. The DGCA has signaled new guidance on ground handling safety may be forthcoming, possibly including requirements for upgraded monitoring systems and staff training at large airports. Airlines say they will comply, and many already audit vendor performance.

Contractual and managerial changes suggested include:

• Clear safety clauses in contracts with third-party handlers
• Penalties for lapses
• Shared reporting dashboards so airlines, handlers, and airports can spot patterns early

Key takeaway: The most effective changes are often simple habits enforced every shift—slow driving near aircraft, double-checks before disconnecting equipment, and clear hand signals between ramp teams.

Repair implications and advice for travelers

For the aircraft:
– Engineers will determine the repair method after inspections.
– Repairs for a crack on a gear door can range from a reinforced patch to a full panel replacement, depending on size and location.
– The aircraft will return to service only after repairs are signed off.

For travelers with near-term Akasa bookings:
– There is no broad advisory in place.
– If the aircraft remains in maintenance longer than planned, the airline may swap aircraft or adjust timings on short notice.
– Keep booking contact details current and check messages before heading to the airport.

Closing note

Airports are complex worksites, and equipment like a Ground Power Unit (GPU) is essential to operations. But when even a small piece moves without control, it can ground a jet. Bengaluru’s latest incident is a reminder that safe skies begin on the ramp—and that steady, simple steps can prevent the next avoidable dent.