Roof of Delhi airport's Terminal-1 collapses; one dead

The roof of the Delhi airport's Terminal-1 collapsed in heavy rains on Friday morning, injuring six people. Several cars, including taxis, were trapped under the debris, said Delhi Fire Services (DFS) officials said.

According to a DFS official, they received a call around 5:30 am regarding a roof collapse at Terminal-1 of the Delhi airport. Three fire engines rushed to the spot. The official added that besides the roof sheet, the support beams also collapsed. 

The cars trapped under the beam were parked in the pick-up and drop area of the terminal and a search operation is underway to ensure nobody is trapped in the vehicles.

Of the six, one was rescued from a car on which an iron beam had fallen, the officials said.

In a post on X, Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu said that he is personally monitoring the situation and the injured people have been shifted to hospital. "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.

A statement by Delhi International Airport Limited spokesperson said: "Due to heavy rain since early this morning, a portion of the canopy at the old Departure forecourt of Delhi Airport's Terminal 1 collapsed around 5 am. 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 apologize for any inconvenience caused."

Deputy Commissioner of Police (IGI) Usha Rangnani said traffic going to T-1 departure of the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport has been diverted at CISF check post, towards T-1 arrival.

In a statement, an IndiGo spokesperson said flight operations are impacted due to structural damage at T1 due to adverse weather conditions. "This has led to flight cancellations in Delhi as passengers are not able to enter the terminal. Passengers already inside the terminal will be able to board their planned flights, but those with flights later in the day will be offered alternatives," the airline said in a statement. 

The airline also said the unplanned situation has led to operations across the network being impacted. "Customers are advised to keep a track of and confirm their flight status before leaving for the airport," it said.

SpiceJet said in a post on X that flights have been cancelled as T1 will remain partially closed for operations until further notice.