The monsoon arrived in Delhi on Friday, bringing chaos to the city. The heavy rains led to the collapse of the canopy at Terminal-1, killing one person and suspending flight operations. Around 5 am, the canopy over the departure area collapsed, trapping several people. The debris, including support beams, also damaged parked cars. Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu on Friday convened a high-level review meeting to address the ongoing situation and ensure passenger safety.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation has issued an advisory to all airlines to maintain fare stability and avoid a steep increase in airfares.
Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu led the meeting with key officials, including the Secretary of the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the Director General of Civil Aviation, the Chairman of the Airports Authority of India, the Director General of the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security, and Joint Secretaries of the Ministry. The meeting resulted in several crucial decisions:
A 24/7 War Room will be established under the close monitoring of the Ministry of Civil Aviation, a statement informed. "This War Room will ensure the full refund of cancelled flights or provide alternative travel route tickets as per availability, processed within seven days. Contact details, including helpline numbers for immediate assistance, will be provided to passengers. The helpline numbers are Indigo Airlines: T2 Terminal: 7428748308, T3 Terminal: 7428748310; SpiceJet: T3 Terminal: 0124-4983410 / 0124-7101600 / 9711209864 (Mr Rohit)," it read.
According to the statement, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has been directed to issue a circular to all minor and major airports to conduct a thorough inspection of structural strength. These inspections must be completed within the next 2-5 days, and the reports are to be submitted to the Ministry of Civil Aviation. Based on the findings, the Ministry will formulate increased safety measures and long-term policies to prevent the recurrence of such incidents.
The statement mentioned that structural engineers from IIT Delhi have been asked to immediately assess the incident at Delhi T1. Further examination will be decided based on their initial findings.
"Passenger safety and convenience are of utmost priority," emphasised Ram Mohan Naidu. "The Ministry, along with all related agencies, is working tirelessly to ensure a swift resolution to the current challenges and to enhance the overall safety standards of our airports."
Terminal-1 Roof Collapse: Delhi Airport Operator Says 'Primary Cause Seems To Be Continued Heavy Rainfall'
A taxi driver, Ramesh Kumar, was rescued from his vehicle but succumbed to his injuries at Medanta Hospital. The injured were admitted to the hospital for treatment. "Flights to and from Terminal-1 have been closed until further notice. Alternate arrangements are being made for the smooth operation of flights," stated the Civil Aviation Ministry on X.
Delhi airport operator DIAL has formed a technical committee to investigate the collapse. "The primary cause seems to be the continued heavy rainfall over the past few hours," DIAL said in a statement, news agency PTI reported. Terminal-1, handling domestic flights by IndiGo and SpiceJet, remains partially closed.
"During this incident, 4 vehicles were damaged, and 8 individuals received minor injuries and were provided immediate medical assistance. A compensation of Rs.20 Lakh to the family of the deceased, and Rs.3 Lakh each to those who received minor injuries announced by Delhi airport. As a precautionary measure, all flight operations from Terminal 1 have been suspended till further notice and rescheduled by the respective Airlines to operate from Terminal 2 and Terminal 3, till the impacted areas are restored for operations," a DIAL spokesperson stated, as per news agency ANI.
"Technical Committee has been formed by DIAL to investigate the cause of the incident and will give the report as soon as possible. In addition, DIAL is working with all relevant agencies to assess the situation and restore operations," it added.
An IndiGo spokesperson remarked, "The unplanned situation has impacted operations across the network." SpiceJet also announced flight cancellations, citing the partial closure of Terminal-1.
A case under Section 304A (causing death by negligence) and 337 (causing hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others) of the IPC has been registered against unknown persons in connection with the incident, confirmed Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), IGI Airport, Usha Rangnani, PTI reported.
The heavy rainfall, amounting to 228 mm in 24 hours, caused widespread flooding and structural damage. “It was after 1936 that Delhi received 228 mm of rainfall in 24 hours. This led to drain overflow in several areas,” noted AAP minister Atishi.
Lt Governor V K Saxena chaired an emergency meeting to address the situation. "The de-silting of drains had not been completed, and the Flood Control Order was yet to be issued," he stated, directing officials to expedite the de-silting work within a week.