Following the collapse of the canopy at Terminal 1 of Delhi Airport on Friday morning, all flight operations from this terminal have been suspended until further notice, as per the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
“Early morning heavy rain caused the canopy of Delhi Airport Terminal 1 to collapse. Consequently, flights to and from Terminal 1 have been halted until further notice. Alternate arrangements are being made to ensure the smooth operation of flights,” stated the ministry’s announcement.
Meanwhile, flight arrivals and departures from Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 are operating normally.
Additionally, the shuttle service between Delhi Aerocity Metro station and Terminal 1- IGI Airport has been suspended. Due to the heavy downpour, entry and exit points at Yashobhoomi Dwarka Sector-25 Metro station are also closed.
Tragically, one person has died following the canopy collapse at Terminal 1. The incident happened amid heavy rains that struck Delhi-NCR on Friday. According to ADO Ravinder, “The shed of the airport collapsed, trapping 8 individuals. The injured were rescued and taken to Medanta Hospital by PCR/CATS. One trapped person was found dead.”
Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) IGI Airport, Usha Rangnani, confirmed the death and stated that legal action would be taken. “At around 5 am, the shed outside Terminal 1 of IGIA, spanning from Departure Gate No. 1 to Gate No. 2, collapsed. Around 4 vehicles were damaged, 6 persons injured, and one person died. All injured persons are stable. Delhi police, fire service, CISF, and NDRF teams are present at the site. Legal action is being taken,” said Rangnani.
Passengers arriving at Terminal 1 faced significant issues due to the suspension of flight operations. One passenger shared, “I have a flight at 9 am. I found out the canopy collapsed here. Some flights are canceled, and officials are directing us to Terminal 2.”
Another passenger, Yash, recounted, “I was going to Bengaluru on an 8:15 am flight. The roof collapsed around 5:15 am… The Airport Authority has no answers.”
Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, is personally overseeing the situation and rescue operations. “I am personally monitoring the roof collapse incident at T1 Delhi Airport. First responders are working at the site. Airlines have been advised to assist all affected passengers at T1. The injured have been evacuated to the hospital. Rescue operations are still ongoing,” he said in a post on X.
This incident has caused significant disruption, and authorities are working tirelessly to manage the situation and assist affected passengers.