Roof Collapse at Delhi Airport Amid Heavy Rains Causes Chaos and Injury

Heavy rains wreaked havoc at Delhi Airport on Friday morning as a section of the Terminal-1 roof collapsed onto vehicles, resulting in one fatality and six injuries. According to airport officials, departures from Terminal-1 were temporarily suspended until 2 pm, with check-in counters shuttered for safety measures.

IndiGo Airlines announced the cancellation of all flights to and from Terminal-1 due to the partial closure caused by the heavy rains. Passengers affected by the cancellations were being provided with alternative options, as the airline worked to mitigate the operational impacts across its network.

SpiceJet also confirmed flight cancellations due to the partial closure of Terminal-1, with all arrivals and departures now redirected to Terminal-3. Additionally, Terminal allocations for other airlines were reshuffled to Terminal-2 and Terminal-3, as the airport management strived to restore normalcy amid the chaos.

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) promptly closed the entry and exit points of the Yashobhoomi Dwarka Sector 25 Metro station due to heavy rainfall. Similarly, the shuttle service between the Aerocity Metro station and Terminal-1 of the IGI Airport was halted until further notice, affecting passenger commutes.

Following the tragic incident, Minister of State for Civil Aviation and Cooperation Murlidhar Mohol announced compensation packages of Rs 20 lakh for the deceased individual and Rs 3 lakh for the injured parties. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) was tasked with conducting a thorough investigation into the incident, while affected airlines were directed to facilitate refunds or alternative flight arrangements for affected passengers.

The roof collapse, which occurred around 5:30 a.m., led to significant damage to multiple vehicles, including cabs, in the pick-up and drop-off area at Indira Gandhi International Airport. Emergency responders from the Delhi Fire Services launched a rescue operation to ensure no individuals remained trapped under the rubble.

Delhi Airport issued a formal statement attributing the incident to heavy rainfall, which caused a portion of the old Departure forecourt canopy at Terminal-1 to collapse. The statement acknowledged the injuries sustained and assured the public that emergency personnel were offering necessary aid and medical attention.

Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu shared updates on X, confirming that the injured had been transported to hospitals and urging airlines to offer assistance to affected passengers. Rescue efforts continued as authorities endeavored to manage the aftermath of the structural failure.

Delhi grappled with a second consecutive day of intense rainfall, leading to widespread waterlogging in various parts of the city and the National Capital Region. Thunderstorms and lightning strikes added to the disruptions, impacting daily life in areas like Delhi, Noida, and Gurugram. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) cautioned citizens to remain indoors and avoid waterlogged areas, predicting continued rainfall with gusty winds over the next week.

Amid the inclement weather, ANI shared visuals depicting flooded roads and severe traffic snarls in parts of Delhi, underscoring the challenges faced by residents navigating the deluge. The IMD forecast indicated ongoing rain activity with thunderstorms and moderate temperatures for the days ahead, emphasizing the need for caution and preparedness in the face of unpredictable weather patterns.