On November 23, 2025, Ariana Afghan Airlines flight AFG311 landed on the wrong runway at Delhi's IGI Airport, narrowly averting a collision with another aircraft taking off. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau's (AAIB) preliminary report highlighted confusion due to poor weather and lack of landing aids. The investigation continues to prevent future incidents.
A serious aviation incident occurred at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) on November 23, 2025, when Ariana Afghan Airlines flight AFG311 landed on runway 29R instead of the assigned 29L. At that moment, flight AIC2243 was taking off from 29R, creating a high risk of collision.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau's (AAIB) preliminary report revealed that runway 29R had no active landing aids. Neither the Instrument Landing System (ILS), Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI), nor approach lights were operational. Fog and poor weather limited visibility to just 1200 meters, making it difficult for pilots to distinguish between the parallel runways.
The crew reported that the ILS signal vanished four nautical miles before touchdown. Despite repeated clearances from Air Traffic Control (ATC), the aircraft proceeded toward the wrong runway. The digital flight data recorder data was intact, but the cockpit voice recorder had been overwritten, losing key pilot communications.
AAIB described the incident as extremely serious for aviation safety, noting it could have escalated into a major accident. The detailed probe continues, focusing on non-compliance with ATC instructions and runway management. This event may prompt India's aviation authorities to strengthen safety measures.
