Three Air India Aircraft Damaged At Delhi Airport After Strong Winds Send Equipment Crashing Into Planes

Three Air India aircraft parked at Terminal 2 of Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport were damaged after strong winds and heavy rain caused ground support equipment to move unexpectedly and collide with the planes.

The incident took place on Saturday during a spell of sudden bad weather that affected airport operations and created safety concerns on the ground.
According to airport authorities, all three aircraft were immediately taken out of service for inspection and repairs following the incident.

How The Incident Happened

Officials said the damage occurred when ground support equipment belonging to Air India Engineering and IndiGo was displaced by powerful winds.

The equipment reportedly moved from its designated position and struck the parked aircraft at Terminal 2.

Ground support equipment is normally used for aircraft maintenance, baggage handling, refuelling and other operational activities. However, severe weather conditions can sometimes create unexpected risks for parked aircraft and airport infrastructure.

Three Aircraft Taken Out Of Operation

Following the collision, Air India removed all three affected aircraft from active operations.
Sources familiar with the matter said that technical teams immediately began assessing the extent of the damage.

According to an airline source, two of the aircraft are expected to return to service relatively soon after repairs and safety checks are completed.

The third aircraft, however, may require more extensive repairs and could remain out of operation for a longer period.

Other Aircraft Also Reportedly Affected

An airline source indicated that the severe weather did not impact only Air India aircraft.
According to the source, planes belonging to other airlines may also have been affected by the hostile weather conditions at the airport.

However, airport authorities have not released detailed information regarding any damage to aircraft operated by other carriers.

No Weather Warning Issued

One of the key points highlighted by Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), which operates the airport, was the absence of a weather warning before the incident.
According to the airport operator, Air Traffic Control (ATC) did not issue any alert regarding a sudden change in weather conditions to either the airport operator or airlines.

The lack of advance warning meant that airport staff had limited time to secure equipment before the strong winds and rain arrived.

Air India Yet To Comment

Air India has not issued an official statement regarding the incident.
The airline is expected to complete detailed inspections of the damaged aircraft before making further announcements about their operational status.

Passenger schedules may also be adjusted if required, depending on how quickly the affected aircraft return to service.

Weather Challenges Continue For Airports

Airports across India frequently face operational challenges during sudden storms, especially during the monsoon season when strong winds, heavy rainfall and lightning can develop rapidly.

Such weather events can disrupt flight schedules, delay departures and arrivals, and create safety risks for both aircraft and ground operations.
Aviation experts note that securing ground equipment during adverse weather is a critical part of airport safety procedures.

Investigation And Repairs Underway

Authorities are continuing to assess the incident and determine the full extent of the damage.

While no injuries have been reported, the event highlights the challenges airports face when dealing with sudden and unpredictable weather conditions.

For now, repair work and inspections are underway, with airline officials working to restore the affected aircraft to service as quickly as possible while maintaining safety standards.