Roof Collapses at Delhi Airport's Terminal-1; Departures Temporarily Suspended

New Delhi, July 28, 2024: A section of the roof at New Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) Terminal-1 collapsed amid heavy rains on Friday morning, injuring six people and damaging several cars, including taxis.

The incident occurred around 5:30 am, prompting a swift response from Delhi Fire Services. Both the roof sheet and the support beams fell, affecting vehicles parked in the pick-up and drop-off area. The injured were promptly rescued and taken to the hospital.

As a precautionary measure, Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) has temporarily suspended all departures from Terminal 1 and closed check-in counters. DIAL attributed the collapse to the heavy rainfall, stating, "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.”

Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, tweeted that he is personally monitoring the situation. "Personally, monitoring the roof collapse incident at T1 Delhi Airport. First responders are working at the site. Also advised the airlines to assist all affected passengers at T1. The injured have been evacuated to the hospital. Rescue operations are still ongoing," he posted on X.

Delhi and its surrounding National Capital Region (NCR) experienced incessant downpours accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning early Friday, leading to waterlogging and road inundations. The region had received heavy showers on Thursday. Pre-monsoon rains are expected to continue for the next few days.

Terminal 1 at Delhi Airport was reopened for passengers on October 31, 2023, after being closed for 19 months due to COVID-19 concerns and subsequent renovations.