Three Air India narrowbody aircraft parked at Terminal 2 of Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA), Delhi, sustained damage after ground support equipment was blown by sudden strong winds and heavy rainfall, leading to collisions with the parked aircraft on Saturday.
Airport authorities confirmed the incident on Sunday, stating that all three affected aircraft were immediately withdrawn from service for inspection and repairs as a precautionary measure.
How the Incident Happened
According to the airport operator, the incident occurred when ground support equipment (GSE) belonging to Air India Engineering Services and IndiGo shifted from their designated positions due to a sudden spell of adverse weather.
The equipment reportedly rolled or moved because of powerful wind gusts and subsequently struck aircraft parked at Terminal 2.
The incident highlights the challenges airports face during sudden weather changes, particularly when strong winds impact parked aircraft and ground-handling operations.
Three Air India Aircraft Damaged
Officials confirmed that:
- Three Air India narrowbody aircraft were damaged.
- All affected aircraft were taken out of operation immediately.
- Technical inspections were carried out to assess the extent of damage.
- Repair work has been initiated before the aircraft are cleared for service.
While authorities have not disclosed the exact nature of the damage, airline sources indicated that the impact was not severe enough to cause long-term operational disruption.
Other Aircraft Also Reportedly Affected
According to airline sources, the severe weather conditions did not impact only Air India aircraft.
Sources stated that:
- Aircraft belonging to other airlines were also affected by the sudden weather event.
- Ground operations across parts of the airport faced temporary disruption.
- Safety assessments were conducted on equipment and aircraft stationed in exposed areas.
However, no injuries to passengers, crew members, or airport personnel have been reported.
No Weather Warning Issued
A significant aspect of the incident is the airport operator’s statement that Air Traffic Control (ATC) had not issued any prior warning regarding a sudden deterioration in weather conditions.
Officials said:
- No alert was received about the approaching strong winds and rain.
- Ground equipment was positioned according to standard procedures before the weather changed.
- The sudden nature of the storm contributed to the movement of the equipment.
The circumstances surrounding the weather event and operational response are expected to be reviewed as part of standard safety procedures.
Air India Yet to Comment Officially
Air India has not issued an official statement regarding the incident.
However, an airline source familiar with the matter indicated that:
- Two of the three damaged aircraft are expected to return to service shortly after necessary inspections and repairs.
- The third aircraft suffered comparatively greater damage and may require additional maintenance before re-entering operations.
Safety Checks Underway
Aviation experts note that even minor impacts involving aircraft require comprehensive inspections to ensure:
- Structural integrity of the fuselage
- Safety of cockpit systems
- Proper functioning of sensors and avionics
- No hidden damage to external panels or landing gear components
Such checks are mandatory before an aircraft is cleared for commercial operations.
Weather Challenges for Airport Operations
Sudden thunderstorms and strong winds can create operational challenges at airports, including:
- Movement of unsecured ground equipment
- Delays in aircraft servicing
- Temporary suspension of ramp activities
- Risks to parked aircraft
- Flight delays and scheduling disruptions
Airport operators typically rely on weather alerts and standard safety protocols to minimize such risks.
Current Status
Authorities have confirmed that:
✅ No passengers were onboard the affected aircraft at the time of the incident.
✅ No injuries have been reported.
✅ All three aircraft were removed from operational service for inspections.
✅ Repair and maintenance work is underway.
✅ Two aircraft are likely to resume operations soon, while one may require additional repairs.
Further details regarding the exact extent of damage and findings from technical inspections are expected after completion of the evaluation process.
