Delhi Airport’s Terminal 1 Closed for a Month After Roof Collapse Incident

Following the tragic collapse of a canopy at Terminal 1 (T1) of Delhi Airport, operations at T1 are expected to remain suspended for a month. The incident, which occurred amidst heavy rainfall, resulted in the unfortunate death of one individual and injuries to several others. Approximately 22,615 passengers were affected, leading to flight cancellations and rescheduling affecting IndiGo and SpiceJet travelers.

IndiGo and SpiceJet, major domestic flight operators at T1, have redirected their services to Terminals 2 and 3 (T2, T3) of Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) in response to the closure of T1. While IndiGo and SpiceJet have managed to refund a significant number of affected passengers, plans are in place to streamline operations and passenger handling for the transition with the support of various aviation bodies and airline representatives.

Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Ram Mohan Naidu, visited the Airport Operations Control Centre (AOCC) to oversee the ongoing operations and conduct meetings with key officials from DGCA, BCAS, DIAL, and airlines. The focus of these discussions was on ensuring a seamless transition of flights to T2 and T3 while maintaining high levels of passenger safety and service efficiency.

Amidst investigations into the cause of the canopy collapse, a team from IIT Delhi‘s Structural Engineering Department has been engaged to conduct an independent assessment of the terminal’s structural integrity. Minister Naidu has ordered structural inspections at airports nationwide, emphasizing the importance of stringent safety measures across all aviation facilities.

DIAL has confirmed the closure of T1 until further notice, with all domestic flights being rerouted to T2 and T3. Inclement weather conditions, including heavy rainfall, were cited as contributing factors to the incident, prompting emergency response teams such as NDRF and CISF to intervene immediately.

While expressing condolences for the loss of life and ensuring medical care for the injured, the civil aviation ministry has offered compensation to the victims’ families. As the investigations unfold and safety assessments progress, the temporary closure of T1 serves as a precautionary measure to prioritize passenger safety and operational resilience.