On November 25, 2024, a Singapore Airlines (SIA) Airbus A380 (Reg. 9V-SKR) experienced a rollback incident at New Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport shortly after docking at the parking bay. The aircraft, operating flight SQ406 from Singapore, landed around 8:00 PM, and after taxiing to the gate, rolled back slightly due to the pilots allegedly forgetting to engage the parking brake. The incident, which occurred at approximately 8:14 PM, involved the world's largest double-decker commercial aircraft not colliding with any other plane or ground equipment.
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Realizing the mistake, the pilots immediately applied the parking brake to halt the aircraft. This move was crucial as the parking bay has a slight slope designed for water drainage, which could exacerbate any rollback. After stopping the aircraft, the pilots informed air traffic control, and ground staff safely towed it back to its designated parking position. All passengers were able to disembark normally, with no injuries reported among the 459 passengers and 25 crew members on board. However, one cabin crew member suffered a minor bruise on her thigh during the incident, received medical attention, and was cleared to resume duties.
The airline issued an apology for the inconvenience, emphasizing the safety of its customers and crew as its top priority. An investigation into the cause of the rollback is underway, with a particular focus on whether this was due to human error or a potential technical glitch. This event highlights the complexities and potential hazards of aircraft operations, especially with large aircraft like the A380.
Standard operating procedures typically require pilots to apply the parking brake before shutting down the engines, and then ground staff place chocks at the wheels to prevent movement. The incident underscores the importance of these procedures, particularly in environments where slope, weather, or other factors might contribute to aircraft movement. The situation at New Delhi airport serves as a reminder of the vigilance required in aviation, where even routine operations can lead to unexpected challenges, necessitating quick and effective responses from both the flight crew and ground operations team.