This situation overview provides information on ground collisions in absolute terms and by aviation categories and on related events. The information is produced by the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency Traficom and updated in English annually. In Finnish the information is updated twice a year.
N.B: For most up-to-date information on ground collisions, change language selection to Finnish.
Collisions while taxiing to or from a runway (GCOL) 2024
No GCOL incidents, i.e., a situation where an aircraft collided while taxiing or air taxiing, were reported in 2024. Between 2014 and 2023, there were an average of 3 such incidents, so last year was exceptionally good in this regard.
Incidents in previous years have typically involved, for example, impacts with airport signs or other structures.
Types of incidents that contribute to GCOL situations
Factors contributing to GCOL situations are closely monitored and include, among others, interference with aircraft pushback or taxi, inadequate apron control, damage during ground handling, and FOD (Foreign Object Debris) in the traffic area and apron. In addition, reports related to the condition of the apron and taxiways are monitored.
Reports about inadequate apron surveillance included, for example, situations where passengers were allowed to move at the airport apron outside of defined areas or without the required surveillance. This can cause a safety risk, such as passenger injury, but fortunately this was avoided last year. In 2024, the number of inadequate apron surveillance incidents was still clearly above average, as in the previous year. Approximately 75% of the incidents reported in Finland occurred at Helsinki Airport, but Helsinki's share of all incidents decreased slightly from the previous year. At the same time, more incidents were reported from airports in Northern Finland, such as Rovaniemi, Ivalo and Kittilä.
Interference of aircraft pushback and taxi was higher than average overall. In Finland, the numbers remained at the average level, but the number of incidents reported abroad increased. In Finland, incidents occurred mainly at Helsinki-Vantaa and to a lesser extent in Rovaniemi. Abroad, incidents were reported evenly from different parts of Europe without a clear concentration at certain airports.
In typical situations, a ground vehicle drove either in front of a taxiing aircraft or behind the aircraft being pushed, which led to the taxiing or pushing being interrupted. In order to ensure flight safety, airports have a basic rule according to which ground vehicles must always give way to an aircraft when its warning lights are on. Last year's incidents did not lead to any serious consequences.
Reports related to the condition of the apron and taxiways were slightly above average, but the numbers were at the previous year's level. The reports mainly concerned the slippery condition of the apron and taxiways at airports, so the number of incidents remained low outside the winter season. Most of the reports were made in January-February and November-December, and the incidents were concentrated in particular at Helsinki Airport and partly in Rovaniemi. Slippery aprons can make it difficult for aircraft to move and increase the risk of collision. Slippery walkways also pose a risk of falling over for passengers. In 2022, the number of reports about slippery areas was significantly higher, as a result of which Traficom requested a clarification from Helsinki Airport about the situation and the planned remedial measures. Since then, the situation has improved somewhat.
Reports of aircraft refueling-related incidents were reported more than average, and their number increased both in Finland and abroad. The incidents did not cause significant hazards, most often involving inadequate compliance with refueling procedures. In particular, incidents were reported where the required two-way communication link between refueling personnel and flight crew was missing. This is especially important in situations where passengers are on board during refueling or are transferring to or from the aircraft.