The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched an investigation after three Air India aircraft parked at Delhi Airport were damaged during strong winds and heavy rain on Sunday evening.
According to the aviation regulator, the incident occurred around 4.30 pm at Terminal 2 of Delhi Airport when severe weather conditions caused ground equipment and debris to strike the parked aircraft.
The DGCA said all three Airbus A320 aircraft have been withdrawn from service and grounded for detailed inspection and maintenance.
Preliminary findings indicate that strong winds displaced two pieces of ground handling equipment from nearby parking stands. The equipment drifted and collided with two separate aircraft, causing damage at different locations. A third aircraft suffered damage to its right-side sliding window after being hit by flying debris.
Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL) confirmed that the incident took place during a sudden spell of heavy rainfall and gusty winds. The airport operator said the displaced equipment belonged to Air India Engineering Services and IndiGo’s ground handling operations.
Officials stated that weather conditions deteriorated rapidly and unexpectedly, and neither airlines nor the airport operator had received prior warning from Air Traffic Control (ATC) about the sudden weather change.
Reports also suggest that an aircraft operated by another airline may have been affected by the severe weather.
Following the incident, all three Air India aircraft were taken out of service for safety checks and repairs. Sources said two of the aircraft are likely to return to operations soon, while repairs on the third aircraft may take longer.
The incident highlights the growing operational challenges posed by sudden weather disruptions, particularly during the monsoon season when strong winds and heavy rainfall can create hazardous conditions at airports.
Delhi-NCR witnessed widespread rainfall on Sunday, with several areas around the Indira Gandhi International Airport experiencing strong winds and showers. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast more light rainfall, thunderstorms and gusty winds of up to 60 kmph in the region on June 11 and 12.