Seychelles aviation authority investigating why two aircraft were close

An Airbus and a twin otter were too close to each other after takeoff last week. (Patrick Joubert, Seychelles News Agency)

(Seychelles News Agency) - The Seychelles Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA) has opened an inquiry to determine the reason why two Air Seychelles’ aircraft were so close to each other after takeoff last week.

The incident, which involved an Airbus A320 and a Twin Otter, happened on Friday at the Seychelles International Airport at Pointe Larue, on the eastern coast of Mahe, the main island, at 10.30 am.

SCAA told SNA on Monday that “a departing aircraft will not normally be permitted to commence takeoff until the preceding aircraft has crossed the end of the runway-in-use or has started a turn or until all preceding landing aircraft are clear of the runway-in-use."

The regulation is as per the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) air navigation services which Seychelles, a group of 115 islands, has adopted.

The Airbus A320 carrying 104 passengers and crew was flying to Mauritius while the Twin Otter carrying 21 passengers and crew was flying to Praslin.

SCAA said the incident, which rarely happens, is being handled with utmost importance by both the authority and Air Seychelles, the national carrier.

Following the inquiry , the results will be published and appropriate measures will be taken, in line with recommendations made, the authority said. This is to ensure that such an incident does not happen again and that aviation operations remain safe for travellers.