Delhi Airport Terminal 1 Closure After Roof Collapse Incident
Delhi Airport’s Terminal 1 (T1) is set to remain closed for a month following a tragic roof collapse caused by heavy rainfall. The incident occurred on June 28, leading to the unfortunate death of one person and injuring six others. In response, a thorough technical assessment is being conducted to ensure the safety and structural integrity of T1 before it can reopen.
Structural engineers from IIT Delhi are spearheading the safety evaluation, which is expected to take around a month. This comprehensive analysis is crucial for determining the terminal’s readiness to resume operations. A senior government official confirmed the ongoing study, highlighting the importance of ensuring passenger safety and structural soundness.
Due to the closure, domestic flights operated by IndiGo and SpiceJet, which were previously handled at T1, have been temporarily relocated to Terminals 2 (T2) and 3 (T3) of the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA). The GMR Group-led consortium DIAL, responsible for managing IGIA, has facilitated this shift to maintain continuity in flight operations. IndiGo has redirected 72 flights to T2 and T3, while SpiceJet will operate its Delhi flights from Terminal 3 until July 7.
DIAL’s cross-functional teams are working closely with stakeholders to manage the situation. A spokesperson emphasized their commitment to ensuring passenger safety and maintaining operational continuity at T2 and T3. The recent expansion of T1 had increased its capacity to handle 40 million passengers annually, making the current suspension of activities a significant development.
The incident underscores the impact of severe weather conditions, as Delhi experienced exceptionally heavy rainfall—228.1mm in 24 hours at Safdarjung, marking the highest June rainfall in over 85 years. This contrasts sharply with the average June rainfall of 75.2mm recorded over the past three decades.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and a technical committee convened by DIAL are investigating the roof collapse to determine its cause and implications. Additionally, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has been instructed to conduct mandatory inspections of structural integrity across all airports. These measures aim to enhance safety protocols and prevent similar incidents in the future.
As the technical study and investigations progress, the temporary closure of T1 serves as a necessary precaution to ensure passenger safety and operational resilience amid challenging weather conditions. The collaboration between DIAL, IIT Delhi engineers, and other stakeholders is crucial in addressing the immediate aftermath of the incident and planning for a safe resumption of activities at T1.
This unfortunate event highlights the need for robust infrastructure and effective safety measures, especially in the face of extreme weather conditions. The findings from the technical assessment and investigations will likely provide valuable insights into improving airport safety standards and mitigating risks associated with structural vulnerabilities.
In the interim, passengers are advised to check with their respective airlines for updated flight schedules and terminal information. DIAL’s proactive approach in managing the crisis and ensuring operational continuity at T2 and T3 reflects their commitment to passenger safety and service excellence. The aviation community and the general public are closely monitoring the situation, awaiting the results of the technical evaluation and the subsequent decision on the reopening of Terminal 1.