Delhi Airport Storm: Ground Equipment Hits 3 Air India Planes

A sudden and intense storm, characterized by strong winds and heavy rainfall, struck Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport on Sunday, June 7, 2026, leading to a significant incident involving ground support equipment and parked aircraft. At approximately 4:40 PM IST, ground equipment, including a step ladder and trestles belonging to Air India Engineering and IndiGo, were dislodged from their positions due to the adverse weather conditions. This equipment subsequently collided with three parked Air India narrow-body aircraft at Terminal 2, causing damage and forcing them to be taken out of operation for immediate inspection and repairs. Multiple news outlets, including India Today, The Times of India, NDTV, The Economic Times, Deccan Chronicle, The Hindu, Republic World, Mid-day, The Tribune, Texas Home and Hangar, and News18, widely reported on the event, often accompanied by viral videos showing the ground support equipment being blown across the tarmac and airport staff attempting to chase and secure it. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has initiated a probe into the incident to ascertain the circumstances, the extent of damage, and to determine responsibility. According to reports from the airport operator, Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL), there was no prior weather warning issued by the Air Traffic Control (ATC) to the airport operator or the airlines regarding the sudden change in weather conditions. This lack of advance notice has been a point of concern, with some users on social media questioning the ATC's forecasting capabilities and the airport's safety protocols for securing ground equipment during volatile weather. IndiGo, in some reports, stated that its stepladder was secured by staff before it could hit any aircraft, though other sources indicate its equipment was involved. Air India has not issued an official statement, but sources indicated that aircraft belonging to other operators might have also been affected by the storm. Of the three damaged Air India aircraft, which were Airbus A320-family jets, two are expected to return to service relatively soon after minor repairs, while the third has sustained more substantial damage and will require a longer period for repair. The incident has also led to adjustments in Air India's flight schedules. The event has highlighted the challenges faced by airport operations during extreme weather, particularly during the monsoon season, and has prompted discussions about the need for enhanced safety measures and better preparedness for sudden meteorological events. The precise wind speeds during the storm were reported to be as high as 101 km/h in Palam, according to Met officials. While no injuries were reported, the visual evidence of the equipment moving uncontrollably and colliding with the aircraft underscores the potential risks involved in ground operations during severe weather. The investigation by the DGCA is expected to provide a comprehensive report on the sequence of events and any lapses in safety procedures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Read Full Story on Quick Digest