What happened
On 22 April 2012, a serious incident involving a loss of separation occurred approximately 5nm west of Dubai International Airport. Two aircraft, an Airbus A320-214 operated by Air Arabia (registration A6-ABS) and a Boeing B737-800 operated by flydubai (registration A6-FDK), were under the control of Dubai Departure Air Traffic Control when they encountered each other in close proximity.
As the aircraft approached a dangerous level of closeness, the onboard Traffic Collision Avoidance Systems (TCAS) triggered Resolution Advisory (RA) warnings. The flight crews of both aircraft immediately executed the required collision avoidance maneuvers. These actions successfully prevented a mid-air collision, and both flights were able to continue to their destinations without further incident, injuries, or damage to the aircraft.
The investigation
The UAE Air Accident Investigation Sector (AAIS) conducted a formal inquiry to determine the circumstances leading to the loss of separation. The investigation involved coordination with the French Bureau d'Enquêtes et d'Analyses (BEA) and the United States National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) as the respective manufacturers' representatives.
Investigators examined radar snapshots, flight recorder data, and communication logs between the aircraft and the Dubai Departure Air Traffic Controller. The probe focused on the sequence of ATC clearances, the handover procedures between controllers, and the functionality of the surveillance alerts provided to the air traffic controllers at the time of the event.