Severe Weather at Delhi Airport Causes Ground Equipment to Strike Parked Air India Planes
New Delhi: Three Air India aircraft parked at Terminal 2 (T2) of Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport sustained damage on Sunday after strong winds and heavy rainfall caused ground support equipment to shift from its designated position and collide with the aircraft.
Airport officials confirmed that the incident occurred during a sudden spell of adverse weather that affected flight operations and airport activities across the national capital.
As a precautionary measure, all three aircraft were immediately withdrawn from service for detailed inspection and necessary repairs.
How the Incident Happened
According to airport officials, the incident took place at approximately 4:40 PM when gusty winds and heavy rain swept through Delhi.
The severe weather conditions reportedly displaced ground support equipment stationed near parked aircraft. The equipment subsequently struck three Air India narrow-body aircraft positioned at Terminal 2.
An airport official stated that the aircraft sustained damage as a result of the impact and were removed from active operations pending safety inspections.
Air India Aircraft Grounded for Inspection
Following the incident, the affected aircraft were grounded and maintenance teams were deployed to assess the extent of the damage.
Officials familiar with the matter indicated that two of the aircraft are expected to return to service after undergoing inspections and minor repairs. However, authorities have not yet disclosed the exact nature or extent of the damage sustained by the planes.
Passenger safety remains the highest priority, and all necessary technical evaluations are being carried out before the aircraft are cleared for operations.
Sudden Weather Change Disrupts Airport Operations
The incident occurred during a period of intense weather activity that impacted several parts of Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR).
Strong winds, heavy rainfall, and reduced visibility caused disruptions to airport operations, resulting in delays and operational challenges for airlines and ground service providers.
Airport officials noted that the weather conditions deteriorated rapidly, leaving little time for precautionary measures.
No Prior Weather Warning Issued
According to officials from Delhi International Airport Ltd. (DIAL), no advance weather warning was reportedly issued by Air Traffic Control (ATC) regarding the sudden change in weather conditions.
Airport authorities stated that neither the airport operator nor airlines had received prior alerts about the severity of the incoming storm.
The absence of an early warning has become a key aspect of the ongoing investigation into the incident.
Other Airlines Also Affected by Weather Conditions
Sources familiar with airport operations indicated that aircraft belonging to other airlines may also have experienced weather-related impacts during the storm.
However, no significant damage involving other carriers has been officially confirmed.
Authorities continue to evaluate operational disruptions caused by the adverse weather conditions across the airport.
Investigation Underway
Airport authorities and airline officials have launched an investigation to determine the precise circumstances that led to the incident.
The probe will examine:
- Ground support equipment positioning
- Weather-related safety protocols
- Emergency response measures
- Airport operational procedures
- Aircraft damage assessments
Officials are expected to review whether additional safeguards can be implemented to prevent similar incidents during sudden weather events in the future.
Growing Focus on Airport Safety During Extreme Weather
The incident highlights the challenges airports face in managing operations during unpredictable weather conditions.
With extreme weather events becoming increasingly frequent, aviation experts emphasize the importance of robust safety protocols, advanced weather monitoring systems, and rapid-response mechanisms to protect aircraft, passengers, and airport infrastructure.
Delhi Airport, one of the busiest aviation hubs in India, regularly handles thousands of passengers and hundreds of flights daily, making operational preparedness critical during adverse weather situations.
As investigations continue, airport authorities are working closely with airlines and maintenance teams to ensure that all affected aircraft meet safety standards before returning to service.
(With inputs from agencies)