Tempo traveller driver dozes off, hits grounded IndiGo aircraft at Bengaluru airport

Airport sources told Moneycontrol that no injuries were reported in the incident, which occurred on the airside near parking bay (71 Alpha) at around 12:15 pm.

A tempo traveller collided with the undercarriage of a grounded IndiGo aircraft at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru on Saturday afternoon, reportedly after the driver dozed off.

Airport sources told Moneycontrol that no injuries were reported in the incident, which occurred on the airside near parking bay (71 Alpha) at around 12:15 pm.

Sources said the aircraft—a grounded IndiGo A320—has been classified as Aircraft on Ground (AOG) due to engine issues since 2022.

“Initial investigations revealed that the driver of the tempo traveller, deployed by Globe Ground India—a ground handling company—dozed off and only realised what had happened after the vehicle hit the aircraft. The vehicle is used to transport Akasa Air staff between their office and aircraft bays. Luckily, only the driver was in the vehicle at the time,” a source told Moneycontrol. 

"We have informed the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, and an investigation is on," the source added.

A BIAL spokesperson in a statement said, "On April 18, 2025, at around 12:15pm, a vehicle operated by a third-party ground handling agency made contact with the undercarriage of a non-operational Aircraft On-Ground at Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru. There were no injuries reported. All necessary protocols have been promptly followed in coordination with relevant stakeholders. The safety and security of our passengers, airline partners, and airport personnel remain our highest priority."

Reacting to the incident, an Indigo spokesperson said: "We are aware of the ground incident at Bengaluru airport involving a parked IndiGo aircraft and a third party ground vehicle. The investigations are on-going and all necessary action shall be initiated as required."