Roof Collapse at Delhi Airport Leads to Tragic Loss, Prompting Nationwide Safety Inspections

Following the collapse of the roof at Terminal 1 of Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, the Indian government has launched a thorough investigation into the structural integrity of airports nationwide. The unfortunate incident, occurring amidst heavy rainfall and resulting in one fatality along with multiple injuries, has sparked urgent action by the authorities.

Operations at Terminal 1, a hub predominantly used by low-cost carriers and regional airlines for domestic flights, were significantly disrupted, leading to the cancellation of over 100 flights. Affected flights were promptly redirected to Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 at the airport.

Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu presided over a high-level meeting post the mishap, deciding to establish a 24×7 operational command center at Terminals 2 and 3 to facilitate efficient passenger services. The ministry stressed the importance of airlines maintaining regular airfare rates for flights to and from Delhi amidst the operational challenges.

Structural engineers from IIT Delhi have been assigned the task of evaluating the extent of the structural damages at the old departure forecourt of Terminal 1. Concurrently, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has issued directives for immediate safety assessments at all major and minor airports in the country. These inspections, slated to conclude within a span of 2-5 days, aim to offer crucial insights for enhancing safety protocols and steering future preventive measures.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), alongside a technical committee constituted by Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL), will undertake separate investigations into the roof collapse incident to determine the underlying causes and ensure accountability.