Overview of Recent Incidents at Oslo Airport
An incident involving an SAS Scandinavian Airlines Airbus A320neo striking a fence at Oslo Airport while preparing for a flight to Stockholm on February 14, 2024, has raised concerns over ground safety protocols. This event marks the third ground collision causing damage to an aircraft in less than two weeks at the airport, highlighting a troubling pattern of accidents within a short timeframe. In the described incident, the SAS flight SK864, operated by an Airbus A320neo registered as EI-SIT, was being pushed back from its gate, aiming to taxi to the active runway, when its left wingtip collided with a fence structure. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported among the passengers or crew. However, the aircraft sustained damage and had to be returned to the apron for examination and assessment by engineers. This event led to the cancellation of the flight, which was destined for Stockholm-Arlanda Airport (ARN), leaving the aircraft grounded in Oslo, presumably awaiting repair.
Another notable incident occurred on February 2, 2024, involving a Norwegian Boeing 737 also bound for Stockholm from the same gate, which collided with a fence during pushback. Like the SAS incident, no injuries were reported, yet the aircraft sustained damage to its wingtip. These incidents, occurring in close succession, have prompted a response from Oslo Airport authorities, including the temporary closure of the gate in question until a thorough safety assessment can be conducted.
Response and Safety Measures
In light of these incidents, Oslo Airport spokesperson Monica Iren Fasting announced that the gate from which both incidents occurred has been closed for a safety assessment. The airport has committed to a full investigation of both events to prevent future occurrences. On a related note, just a day before the latest SAS incident, two Norwegian Boeing 737s were damaged in a ground collision at the airport, further underscoring the urgent need for enhanced safety measures. In response to the incidents, Charlotte Holmbergh, Norwegian’s Head of Communications, emphasized the importance of maintaining safe distances between aircraft during ground operations to avoid such collisions.
These series of accidents at Oslo Airport not only highlight the risks associated with ground handling and pushback operations but also call for a review of existing safety protocols and the implementation of more stringent measures. The aviation community awaits the findings of the investigations with the hope that they will lead to improved safety standards and practices at Oslo and other airports worldwide.