Early Friday morning, at Delhi Airport’s Terminal 1, a portion of the roof collapsed on parked cars, including taxis, due to heavy rains. The collapse, which happened around 5 am, resulted in the deaths of three individuals and injuries to six others. Emergency services promptly responded to the scene to provide necessary assistance and medical aid to the injured.
The affected area was the old Departure forecourt of Terminal 1. Due to the incident, all departures from Terminal 1 are temporarily suspended, and the check-in counters are closed as a precautionary measure. This disruption is expected to last until 2 pm, after which operations will be reassessed. Meanwhile, departures and arrivals at Terminals 2 and 3 will continue to operate normally. Arrivals at Terminal 1 will also operate normally.
In response to the roof collapse, Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) has initiated an immediate inspection of all terminal structures to ensure their integrity and safety. Maintenance crews are working to secure the affected area and prevent further incidents. Passengers and airport staff are being kept informed of the situation through regular updates.
As a precaution, DIAL has also increased the deployment of emergency personnel and medical staff across the airport to handle any potential emergencies. Travellers are advised to follow all safety instructions and cooperate with airport authorities to ensure a smooth and safe travel experience.
Authorities have urged passengers to stay updated on flight schedules and check with airlines for any changes. Travellers are advised to arrive at the airport well in advance to avoid last-minute complications. Additionally, with the ongoing heavy rains, commuters are encouraged to exercise caution while travelling, particularly in areas prone to waterlogging and reduced visibility due to the weather. Efforts are ongoing to restore normal operations as quickly and safely as possible.
The heavy rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning, caused significant waterlogging and road inundation across Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR). This weather event followed days of pre-monsoon showers, which had kept the maximum temperature below 40°C. The persistent downpours have led to widespread disruption, including traffic jams and localised flooding in several areas.