New Delhi – Three Air India aircraft sustained damage at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) on Sunday following a sudden and severe storm. Gusty winds and heavy rain caused ground support equipment (GSE) to become dislodged and collide with the parked planes, taking them out of operation.
Sources indicate that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has initiated a probe into the incident. The aviation watchdog aims to “fix responsibility” for the damage incurred during the adverse weather conditions at Terminal 2 of the airport.
The affected aircraft, all narrowbody models, were hit by ground equipment belonging to both Air India Engineering and IndiGo, which reportedly shifted from its position due to the storm. A video circulating on social media captured the chaotic scene, showing ground equipment moving across the apron as airport staff attempted to secure it.
An airline source, speaking to news agency PTI, revealed that while three Air India planes were impacted, aircraft of other operators also suffered damage from the hostile weather. Of the three Air India planes, two are expected to return to service relatively quickly, while the third will require more extensive repairs.
It was also noted by the operator that Air Traffic Control (ATC) had not issued any prior warning to the airport or airlines regarding the change in weather conditions before the storm hit.