Rain and High Winds Damage Three Air India Planes at Delhi Airport
Sudden rain and powerful winds triggered movement of airport support vehicles, forcing multiple aircraft out of service for inspections and repairs.
Mumbai, June 8: Three Air India narrowbody aircraft sustained damage after ground support equipment was displaced by strong winds and heavy rain at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, airport officials said on Sunday.
The incident occurred on Saturday at Terminal 2 during a spell of severe weather that swept across the national capital. According to the airport operator, equipment used for aircraft servicing was pushed from its designated position by the sudden weather disturbance and subsequently struck parked aircraft.
Officials said the equipment involved belonged to Air India Engineering Services and IndiGo. Following the impact, the affected planes were immediately withdrawn from service to undergo detailed technical assessments and necessary repairs.
The airport operator noted that the weather conditions deteriorated rapidly and that no prior alert regarding the sudden change had been issued by Air Traffic Control to either airport authorities or airlines.
While Air India did not issue an official statement on the matter, aviation sources indicated that aircraft belonging to other carriers may also have been affected by the adverse weather conditions experienced during the storm.
According to industry officials familiar with the situation, the extent of damage varies among the three Air India aircraft. Two of the planes are expected to return to commercial operations after routine repairs and safety clearances, while restoration work on the third aircraft could take longer before it is cleared for service.
The incident highlights the operational challenges airports face during sudden weather events, particularly during the onset of the monsoon season when high winds, thunderstorms and heavy rainfall can create safety risks for both aircraft and ground infrastructure.
Airport authorities have initiated a review of the circumstances surrounding the occurrence, including the securing of ground equipment during periods of rapidly changing weather. Aviation safety protocols require all impacted aircraft to undergo comprehensive inspections before being released back into service.
Despite the incident, airport operations continued, and there were no reports of injuries to passengers or airport personnel. Officials stressed that safety procedures were promptly activated and that maintenance teams responded immediately after the collision was reported.
The event serves as a reminder of the growing importance of weather preparedness at major aviation hubs, where even brief periods of extreme weather can disrupt operations and cause costly damage to aircraft and airport assets.
