Three Air India aircraft sustained damage after a powerful storm swept through the national capital on Sunday evening, bringing strong winds and heavy rain to the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport. The incident occurred when high-speed gusts displaced ground support equipment, which subsequently collided with parked aircraft.
According to airport and airline officials, the aircraft were stationed near Terminal 2 when the storm struck. The sudden change in weather conditions led to the movement of equipment used for ground handling operations, resulting in damage to the parked planes. Initial assessments indicate that all three aircraft suffered varying levels of damage.
Air India has temporarily withdrawn the affected aircraft from service to conduct detailed inspections and necessary repairs. Officials familiar with the matter said one of the aircraft is likely to remain grounded for several days because of the extent of the damage, while the remaining two are expected to return to service after safety checks and minor repair work are completed.
The airline has initiated a technical evaluation to determine the full extent of the damage and ensure that all safety standards are met before the aircraft resume operations. Airport authorities are also examining the circumstances surrounding the incident, including whether additional precautions could have prevented the equipment from being displaced during the storm.
Despite the damage to the aircraft, airport operations remained largely unaffected. Flight schedules continued with only limited disruption, and no injuries to passengers, crew members or ground staff were reported. Officials noted that emergency response teams acted quickly to secure the affected area and prevent further damage.
The incident highlights the challenges airports face during sudden and severe weather events, particularly during the monsoon season when strong winds and intense rainfall can create hazardous conditions on the ground. Aviation experts say airports and airlines regularly review safety procedures for extreme weather, including the securing of aircraft and ground equipment.
Investigations into the incident are ongoing, and both Air India and airport authorities are expected to review safety protocols to minimise the risk of similar occurrences in the future.
