One person was killed and six others injured when a portion of the roof at Delhi airport’s Terminal-1 collapsed onto cars during heavy rain this morning. All flights scheduled from the terminal until 2 pm have been cancelled.
Union Minister of Civil Aviation Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu confirmed the cancellations after inspecting the site at Indira Gandhi International Airport, one of the world’s busiest airports.
Officials reported that the roof sheet and support beams collapsed at Delhi airport’s Terminal-1, damaging four parked cars in the pick-up and drop area.
The incident occurred around 5:30 am and was promptly reported to the Delhi Fire Services (DFS). During rescue operations, a man was rescued from a cab that had been struck by a fallen iron beam.
Mr. Kinjarapu, the newly-elected civil aviation minister, stated that flights scheduled to depart after 2 pm will be relocated to Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 of the airport, following the closure of Terminal 1 due to the roof collapse incident.
“Following the collapse of the Delhi T1 terminal this morning, I have personally inspected the site. Our immediate priority was the safe evacuation of all passengers from the terminal. Consequently, all flights scheduled until 2 PM have been canceled. Passengers will receive full refunds or have the option to rebook on alternative flights and routes. Flights scheduled to depart after 2 PM will be operated from T2 and T3,” he said.
“I will see that a thorough examination of the terminal’s structure is conducted by experts to ensure safety,” he added.
Mr. Kinjarapu mentioned that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is closely monitoring the situation at Delhi airport’s Terminal 1 following the roof collapse. He also assured that the Prime Minister has provided full support in managing the aftermath of the incident.
#Update on #Delhi T-1 Incident. pic.twitter.com/7KcrhL9p25
— Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu (@RamMNK) June 28, 2024
He described the roof collapse at Delhi airport’s Terminal 1 as a “very serious” incident. He announced compensation of Rs 20 lakh for the family of the deceased victim and Rs 3 lakh each for those injured in the incident.
Inspecting the T1 Terminal and reviewing with the officials.
All required rescue operations are being conducted at the terminal pic.twitter.com/6ck4ce39RY— Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu (@RamMNK) June 28, 2024
Terminal 1 (T1) at Delhi airport handles only domestic flight operations for airlines like IndiGo and SpiceJet. The airport itself manages approximately 1,400 flight movements daily.