Kolkata: An IndiGo aircraft was damaged at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport here on Tuesday night after an unmanned ground vehicle rolled forward and struck the plane while it was parked at the apron.

The incident involved an Airbus A320 that was scheduled to operate flight 6E 6663 from Kolkata to Guwahati. The aircraft was stationed at its parking bay and was preparing for boarding when the accident occurred between 9.00 pm and 9.30 pm, according to airport sources.

Preliminary reports indicate that the vehicle involved belonged to a third-party catering service. It is believed that the driver stepped out of the SUV without properly applying the handbrake, causing the vehicle to roll unattended across the apron area. The vehicle eventually collided with the rear section of the aircraft’s right engine.

At the time of the incident, there were no passengers or crew members on board, and no injuries have been reported.

In a statement, IndiGo confirmed the occurrence, “A third-party unmanned vehicle on the apron moved and came in contact with a parked IndiGo aircraft.” The airline added that the aircraft has been grounded and is undergoing thorough inspection and necessary maintenance before it can return to service.

Initial assessments suggest that the extent of the damage could keep the aircraft out of operations for several days, although a detailed technical evaluation is currently underway by IndiGo’s engineering team.

To minimise disruption, the airline arranged an alternate aircraft to operate the scheduled Kolkata–Guwahati service.

Authorities have ordered an investigation into the incident to determine the exact cause and examine whether standard safety protocols on the apron were followed.

The occurrence has once again highlighted the risks associated with ground handling operations at busy airports. Even minor lapses, such as failing to secure a stationary vehicle, can lead to potentially serious damage to aircraft and operational disruptions.

Notably, this is the second such ground-related incident reported within days. On Monday night, an aircraft operated by Air India Express was reportedly struck by a stepladder during adverse weather conditions at the same airport.

Earlier this year, two aircraft, one operated by IndiGo and another by Air India were involved in a minor wingtip contact while taxiing at Mumbai airport. In another incident last year, an IndiGo Airbus A321 experienced a tail strike during a go-around manoeuvre in poor weather conditions.

While no injuries were reported in any of these cases, the frequency of such incidents raises concerns over ground safety practices and operational discipline at Indian airports.