NEW DELHI: A sudden rainstorm that hit Indira Gandhi International Airport's Terminal 2 (T2) on Sunday evening left three Air India aircraft damaged after ground support equipment was displaced by strong winds. The equipment, including a step ladder and trestles from IndiGo Engineering and Aircraft India Engineering, struck the parked planes at T2 parking stands.
Incident Details
According to airport sources, there was no prior weather warning for the storm. At 4:40 PM on Sunday, strong winds caused the unsecured equipment to move from its positions and hit three Air India single-aisle aircraft. One of the planes will be grounded for several days for repairs, while the other two are expected to resume flying within the week.
Ground Equipment Issues
IndiGo sources stated that the trestle was initially secured but the winds were strong enough to loosen it. The incident has raised concerns about the lack of advance weather warnings, which typically allow stakeholders to secure ground equipment on the tarmac to prevent such accidents.
Recurring Problem for Air India
This is not the first time Air India planes have been affected by freak incidents at the airport. In January, a new Air India Airbus A350, the flagship of the airline's fleet, ingested an unsecured baggage container while taxiing after arriving from New York in dense fog. Officials across airlines and the airport are questioning why no weather warning was issued for the storm and why Air India aircraft seem disproportionately affected.
The damaged aircraft are undergoing checks and repairs. While one aircraft requires extensive repairs, the others may return to service soon.
