New Delhi: On Friday morning, one person was killed, and six were injured after a portion of the roof of Terminal-1 at the Delhi airport collapsed onto cars, including taxis. This happened amid a heavy downpour that threw road and air traffic into chaos.
The capital of India recorded 153.7 mm of rainfall, which began around 3 AM, leading to widespread waterlogging across the city, severely affecting travel plans. As a result, Terminal 1 of the Indira Gandhi International Airport was closed until 2pm following the roof collapse, disrupting the travel plans of many flyers.
The India Meteorological Department defines very heavy rain as rainfall amounting to between 124.5 and 244.4 mm in a day.
At the airport, three fire tenders were dispatched after the Delhi Fire Service received a call about the incident around 5:30am. A comprehensive search operation was conducted to ensure no one was trapped in the damaged vehicles.
An official stated that one person succumbed to injuries during treatment, while five others are undergoing treatment. One person was rescued from a car on which an iron beam had fallen.
In addition to the roof sheet, the support beams also collapsed, damaging cars parked in the pick-up and drop area of Terminal-1.
Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu said he was monitoring the situation, and the injured had been taken to the hospital.
“Personally monitoring the roof collapse incident at T1 Delhi Airport. First responders are working at the site. I have also advised airlines to assist all affected passengers at T1. The injured have been evacuated to the hospital. Rescue operations are still ongoing,” he posted on ‘X’.
In a statement, the Delhi International Airport Ltd 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.”
An IndiGo spokesperson said flight operations were impacted due to structural damage at T1 caused by adverse weather conditions, leading to flight cancellations in Delhi as passengers could not 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.
SpiceJet announced that flights had been cancelled, as T1 will remain partially closed for operations until further notice.
