At least one individual was killed and five others were injured on Friday when a portion of the roof at Terminal-1 of New Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport collapsed on vehicles, including taxis, during heavy rains.
According to reports, Delhi Fire Services received a call regarding a roof collapse at around 5:30am on Friday. In addition to the roof sheet, the support beams also collapsed, causing damage to the automobiles parked in the pick-up and drop area of the terminal. All of the injured were taken to the hospital.
“Around 5.30 am, received a call regarding a roof collapse at Terminal-1 of Delhi airport. Three fire engines have been rushed to the spot, says an official from Delhi Fire Services,” ANI said.
A rescue operation is currently underway to ensure that no one else is trapped in the damaged vehicles.
As a result of the incident, Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) has temporarily suspended all departures from Terminal 1 until 2pm. Check-in counters are closed as a safety measure. However, all departure and arrival flights from Terminal 3 and Terminal 2 are fully operational. Flights at Terminal 1 Arrivals are also in operation.
DIAL said the portion collapsed due to heavy rainfall. “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.”
Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, the Union Minister of Civil Aviation, stated that he is personally monitoring the incident and that the rescue operation is still underway.
"Personally monitoring the roof collapse incident at T1 Delhi Airport. First responders are working at site. Also advised the airlines to assist all affected passengers at T1. The injured have been evacuated to hospital. Rescue operations are still ongoing," Naidu said in a post on X.
Delhi and its adjoining National Capital Region (NCR) experienced incessant downpours accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning in the early hours of Friday, causing waterlogging and inundating roads throughout the region.
The national capital experienced heavy showers on Thursday, keeping the temperature slightly low throughout the day. The region also experienced pre-monsoon showers on Wednesday, which kept Delhi's maximum temperature below 40°C.
The Terminal 1 of the Delhi Airport reopened for passengers on October 31, 2023, approximately 19 months after the operations were suspended due to COVID concerns and later for renovations.
Furthermore, the airport's expanded Terminal 1 was inaugurated in March of this year. The airport now has a capacity of 40 million passengers per annum, which is twice its previous capacity of 17 million passengers per annum.
The expansion work was begun in 2019 after the airport experienced a massive surge in air traffic movement and passenger numbers, exceeding expectations.
The expanded T1 features eight entry gates equipped with DigiYatras facial recognition system. It also boasts a total of 20 automated tray retrieval systems, a total of 100 check-in counters, including 36 self-baggage drop kiosks, and 10 baggage reclaim carousels.
The terminal also boasts a total of 24 entry points, each with its own distinct pick-up and drop-off lane to facilitate vehicular traffic. Within the terminal, passengers have the opportunity to utilize shopping and dining facilities, a prayer room, a yoga area, a quiet zone, lounges, charging stations, a self-medication room, baby care rooms, smart washrooms, and various other amenities.
The T1 of Delhi Airport is connected to the Delhi Metro Magenta Line.
