One person died after the canopy of Delhi Airport Terminal-1, used for domestic flights, collapsed on Friday morning in heavy rains. Six others were injured in the incident which saw flight operations disrupted.
A statement by Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) spokesperson said a portion of the canopy at the old departure forecourt of Terminal 1 of the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) collapsed around 5 am due to heavy rain. "There are injuries reported, and emergency personnel are working to provide all necessary assistance and medical aid to those affected. As a result of this incident, all departures from Terminal 1 are temporarily suspended, and check-in counters are closed as a safety measure. We sincerely regret this disruption and apologise for any inconvenience caused," the statement added.
At least 10 flights were cancelled and 40 were delayed, according to data from flight tracking platform Flightradar24.
However, the arrival and departure of flights from Terminal 3 and Terminal 2 are fully operational. The shuttle service from Delhi Aerocity Metro station to Terminal 1- IGI Airport has also been suspended.
Sources in the know said flight departures have been suspended till 2 pm. T1 has only domestic flight operations by IndiGo and SpiceJet and both came up with statements regarding the disruption.
The Indigo statement said passengers already inside the terminal will be able to board their planned flights, while those with flights later in the day will be offered alternatives. SpiceJet said in a post on X that flights have been cancelled as T1 will remain partially closed for operations until further notice.
However, sources said the DIAL is looking at temporarily shifting operations from T1 to T2 and T3.
A crew inspects the damage to a part of a departure terminal canopy at New Delhis Indira Gandhi International Airport that collapsed in heavy pre-monsoon rains | AP
Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu arrived at the premises to monitor the situation. "Personally monitoring the roof collapse incident at T1 Delhi Airport. First responders are working at the site. Also advised the airlines to assist all affected passengers at T1. The injured have been evacuated to hospital. Rescue operations are still ongoing," he said on X.
He also announced a compensation of Rs 20 lakh for the deceased and Rs 3 lakh for the injured. He also clarified that airports with such structures across the country will be thoroughly inspected.
According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) IGI Airport, Usha Rangnani, legal action would be taken. The roof reportedly fell on four vehicles. "All injured persons are stable. Delhi police, fire service, CISF & NDRF teams are present on the spot. Legal action is being taken," said Rangnani.
The airport area received about 148.5 millimetres of rain over three hours in the early morning, more than the average for all of June, according to India's weather office.
Passengers stranded
The incident also disrupted the travel plans of passengers. "I have a flight at 9 am. I came to know that the structure above (canopy) has collapsed here. Some flights have been cancelled. They (officials) are now asking us to go to Terminal 2," a passenger told ANI.
Yash, another passenger at Terminal 1 of Delhi Airport, told ANI that the airport authority failed to answer their questions. "I was going to Bengaluru; I had a flight at 8:15 am. Here the roof collapsed around 5:15 am. The Airport Authority has no answer," he added.
