A major accident involving a SpiceJet and an Indigo aircraft was averted at Varanasi airport's runway on Tuesday, said a report.

Both planes were scheduled for take-off, with the Indigo flight carrying 178 passengers set to go first, a report in India Today said.

The incident occurred when the SpiceJet flight, which was asked to remain at the holding point till the IndiGo plane took off, "inadvertently" crossed the runway holding point.

Noticing the incursion, the Air Traffic Control (ATC) immediately alerted the IndiGo plane, which aborted takeoff, the report said, citing sources.

The matter has been referred to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).