Flight operations at Delhi airport's Terminal 1, mainly used for domestic flights, have been indefinitely suspended after the roof collapsed early Friday morning, killing one and injuring six others.
The incident happened at around 5 am in the departure area of Terminal 1 of the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi amid heavy rainfall in the national capital.
The Civil Aviation Ministry attributed the collapse of the canopy at Delhi airport T1 to the severe rain conditions. To this, the ministry reacted, "Flights to and from Terminal 1 have been suspended till further notice. Alternative arrangements are being made to ensure smooth flight operations."
Sources said flight departures from Terminal 1 have been suspended till 2 pm. Terminal 1 is only used for domestic flights of IndiGo and SpiceJet, while the entire airport — Terminals 1, 2 and 3 — handle about 1,400 flight movements every day.
Delhi International Airport Ltd said flight arrivals at T1 continued till 10:30 am but added that the authorities have suspended operations at the terminal till its comprehensive inspection is done.
Efforts are on to relocate IndiGo flights scheduled for T1 to Terminals 2 and 3, while SpiceJet flights would be shifted to Terminal 2, DIAL said.
Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu visited the site to take the stock of the situation and met with the injured persons under treatment at Safdarjung Hospital here.
Sources close to the matter disclosed that flight departures had initially been stopped shortly after the incident at around 5 am before later allowing passengers already inside the terminal to proceed with their flights. Full suspension of departures followed at about 7:30 am for safety reasons.
A DIAL spokesperson said, "A portion of the canopy of the old departure forecourt of Terminal 1 of Delhi airport collapsed around 5 am due to heavy rain early this morning. Medical aid by emergency personnel is being provided to all injured passengers."
All departures from Terminal 1 have been temporarily suspended and check-in counters closed as a precautionary measure.
"We regret this disruption and apologize for any inconvenience caused," the spokesperson added.
The roof collapse event is currently under investigation as Minister Naidu announced a detailed inspection at the structure in the airport.
IndiGo said flight operations had been marred due to structural damage at T1 caused by inclement weather. It assured that customers already inside the terminal would be assisted in boarding their scheduled flights while alternate arrangements would be offered to those having flights later.
SpiceJet also confirmed the cancellations of flights, saying that Terminal 1 would remain partially closed until further notice. Both carriers requested their passengers to keep a close watch on the flight status before entering the airport.
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