A section of the ceiling at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi Airport Terminal-1 fell early on Friday, injuring at least eight persons.
A section of the roof at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi Airport Terminal-1 collapsed on automobiles early on Friday, resulting in at least one death and eight injuries. Additionally, all aircraft departures from the terminal were momentarily stopped.
This occurs on a day that has seen nonstop rain in the nation’s capital, with Safdarjung base station recording 228.1 mm of rain in the last 24 hours as of 8:30 a.m. today.
“A section of the canopy at Delhi Airport’s Terminal 1’s old Departure forecourt collapsed around five in the morning due to heavy rain that has been falling since early this morning.” A Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) representative stated, “There have been reports of injuries, and emergency personnel are working to provide all necessary assistance and medical aid to those affected.”
He continued by saying that, as a precaution, all departures from Terminal 1 have been temporarily halted and that check-in counters are closed.
It is thought that one person is trapped beneath the collapsed roof, according to PTI, which quoted fire department authorities.
Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjar, the Union Minister of Civil Aviation, posted on X to say that he was personally observing the T1 roof collapse situation. “First responders are currently on the scene. Additionally, the airlines were instructed to help any impacted passengers at T1. The injured have been flown to a medical facility. Rescue efforts are still in progress,” he stated in the post.
A moderate to intense period of rain is expected to persist in Delhi for the next few hours, according to the India Meteorological Department, following heavy rains that battered Delhi and the surrounding districts of the National Capital Region on Friday morning. After nonstop rain, several parts of the capital were left drenched. Up till 08:30 IST, Safdarjung recorded 153.7 mm of total rainfall, while Palam airport recorded 93 mm.
IMD officials issued a caution to be aware of slippery roads, low visibility, travel interruption, and isolated waterlogging in low lying regions due to the strong periods of rain. It advised staying away from waterlogged regions, to monitor traffic along roadways, and to stay informed about weather warnings.
Impacted flight departures until 2:00 PM; comments from SpiceJet and IndiGo
Terminal 1 departures were halted until 2:00 PM, according to PTI, which cited sources. The sources further stated that the airport operator wants to move its temporary operations from Terminal 1 to Terminals 2 and 3.
On the other hand, travelers who had already entered the terminal boarded their aircraft.
An IndiGo representative claimed in a statement that the terminal’s structural damage is affecting airline operations. In Delhi, this has resulted in flight cancellations since travelers are unable to access the terminal. The airline stated in a statement that passengers with flights later in the day will be given options, but those who are already inside the terminal can board their scheduled flights.
Before heading to the airport, it is recommended that customers check and confirm the status of their flights.
