Déjà Vu At IGI? Rain Rips Through New Shade A Year After Fatal Collapse

Heavy rain accompanied by intense winds wreaked havoc across Delhi on Sunday morning, leading to partial damage at the Indira Gandhi International Airport's Terminal 1. A section of the membrane shade at the terminal's arrival forecourt gave way during the downpour, as captured in a viral video that shows water pouring through the collapsed fabric onto parked vehicles, forcing nearby people to move away.

The structure that failed was reportedly installed after last year's fatal roof collapse at the same terminal during a similar rain event, according to a News18 report. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in this latest incident.

In response to the situation, a spokesperson from Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) told ANI: "Delhi experienced an intense thunderstorm accompanied by heavy rainfall during the intervening night of May 24th, 2025. This sudden and concentrated downpour led to temporary water accumulation in and around IGI Airport, briefly impacting operations. A section of the external tensile fabric at the T1 Arrival forecourt adjusted under pressure, thereby aiding in water dispersal. There was no structural compromise or impact to other parts of the terminal. Swift action was taken by the ground teams to restore normal conditions, ensuring safety and continuity of operations with minimal disruption."

Due to the adverse weather, IGI Airport also issued a travel advisory, alerting passengers that several flights were impacted. Travelers were urged to check flight statuses regularly and stay in touch with airline staff.

According to PTI, 49 flights, including 17 international services, were diverted due to the poor weather. Terminal 3 also reported instances of waterlogging. Data from Flightradar24.com indicated around 180 flight delays, along with several cancellations.

Meanwhile, other parts of Delhi also bore the brunt of the storm. Visuals from Delhi Cantonment showed vehicles stranded in a flooded underpass, while areas like ITO, Dhaula Kuan, Subroto Park, Nanakpura Underpass, and Chanakyapuri reported heavy waterlogging and significant traffic congestion.

Strong winds uprooted trees on Akbar Road, and wind speeds reached 72 kmph in Palam, 76 kmph in Pragati Maidan, 61 kmph in Jafarpur, and 50 kmph at IGNOU. The India Meteorological Department had issued a red alert late Saturday night, warning of severe thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds approaching from the west and northwest.

The intense rainfall also brought a steep drop in Delhi's temperature during the early hours. At Safdarjung, the temperature fell from 31°C to 21°C; Palam dropped from 29°C to 22°C; Pusa from 31.8°C to 20.5°C; Pragati Maidan from 31.4°C to 21.3°C; and Lodhi Road recorded a fall from 31°C to 22.3°C.

The IMD has forecast more thunderstorm activity for Sunday, with the maximum temperature expected to hover around 38°C.