Delhi Airport News: 3 Air India Planes Damaged by Ground Equipment During Storm
Delhi Airport News
Three aircraft belonging to Air India were damaged at Delhi’s airport after strong winds and heavy rain caused ground support equipment to move unexpectedly and collide with parked planes. The incident took place at Terminal 2 of Indira Gandhi International Airport on Saturday during sudden bad weather conditions.
According to airport officials, the aircraft were parked at the terminal when a powerful storm brought strong winds and rain to the area. Due to the sudden weather change, some ground support equipment used for aircraft maintenance and servicing reportedly shifted from its designated position and struck the parked planes.
The airport operator stated that the equipment involved belonged to Air India Engineering and another airline, IndiGo. As a result of the collision, three Air India narrow-body aircraft suffered damage and had to be removed from active service for inspection and repairs.
Airport authorities said that all three affected aircraft were immediately taken out of operation as a safety precaution. Technical teams were deployed to assess the extent of the damage and determine how quickly the planes could be returned to service.
An airline source revealed that the weather conditions were severe enough to affect aircraft belonging to other airlines as well. However, Air India’s planes were among those that sustained direct damage from the moving equipment. The source added that two of the three damaged aircraft are expected to return to operations soon after necessary inspections and minor repairs. The third aircraft, however, may require more extensive maintenance and could remain out of service for a longer period.
One important aspect of the incident is that the airport operator claimed that the Air Traffic Control (ATC) did not issue any warning regarding the sudden change in weather conditions. According to the operator, neither the airport authorities nor the airlines received prior information that could have helped them prepare for the strong winds and rain.
Sudden weather changes can create serious challenges at airports. Ground support equipment, including maintenance platforms, baggage carts, service vehicles, and other machinery, must be properly secured to prevent movement during storms. Strong winds can sometimes push unsecured or lightly secured equipment across airport ramps, creating risks for aircraft, personnel, and airport infrastructure.
Air India has not officially commented on the incident. However, aviation experts note that aircraft damage caused by ground equipment is generally considered less severe than damage sustained during flight operations. Even so, every affected aircraft must undergo a detailed inspection before being cleared to fly again.
The incident highlights the importance of weather preparedness and strict safety procedures at busy airports. With millions of passengers relying on air travel each year, airlines and airport operators must work together to minimize risks during unexpected weather events.
Investigations and technical assessments are expected to continue to determine the exact circumstances that led to the collision. Meanwhile, airport operations at Delhi Airport have continued, with authorities focusing on ensuring passenger safety and preventing similar incidents in the future.
