Three Air India aircraft sustained damage due to strong winds at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport on Tuesday. The incident occurred during a period of gusty weather conditions that swept across the national capital region.
Details of the Incident
The affected aircraft were parked at the airport's apron area when sudden high winds caused them to collide with ground equipment or each other. Preliminary reports indicate that the wind speeds exceeded 60 kilometers per hour, leading to the mishap.
Aircraft Involved
According to sources, the damaged planes include two Boeing 787 Dreamliners and one Airbus A320. The extent of damage is being assessed by engineers, but initial inspections suggest dents and scratches on the fuselage and wingtips.
Air India officials confirmed that no passengers were on board at the time of the incident. The aircraft were undergoing routine maintenance or were parked after completing their scheduled flights.
Response and Safety Measures
Airport authorities have launched an investigation into the incident. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has been notified and will monitor the situation. Safety protocols are being reviewed to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
In a statement, an Air India spokesperson said, "We are assessing the damage to our aircraft and will take necessary steps to ensure they are repaired and returned to service as soon as possible. Safety remains our top priority."
Weather Conditions
The India Meteorological Department had issued a warning for strong winds and thunderstorms in the Delhi region earlier in the day. The gusty winds are attributed to a western disturbance affecting northern India. Similar weather conditions are expected to persist for the next 24 to 48 hours.
Passengers have been advised to check their flight status before heading to the airport, as delays and cancellations may occur due to the ongoing weather situation.
Impact on Flight Operations
While no major disruptions were reported, some flights were delayed or rescheduled as a precaution. Airport operations continued normally, with ground staff working to secure all parked aircraft and equipment.
This incident highlights the vulnerability of grounded aircraft to extreme weather events. Airlines and airport authorities are expected to enhance measures to secure aircraft during adverse weather conditions.
