Three damaged Air India aircraft on wet tarmac at Delhi airport under overcast skies.
Three Air India aircraft were damaged on Sunday at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) when ground support equipment struck them while they were parked at Terminal 2. The incident occurred amidst strong winds and rain, although the airport operator stated that no weather warning had been issued at the time.
The damage has led to the three aircraft being taken out of operation. According to reports, two of the affected planes are expected to be returned to service relatively soon, indicating that the damage may not be extensive for those specific aircraft.
This incident highlights potential operational risks at airports, even when specific weather warnings are not active. The involvement of ground support equipment suggests a need for stringent protocols during adverse weather conditions to prevent damage to parked aircraft, which can lead to significant operational disruptions and costs for airlines.
Air India has not yet released a detailed statement regarding the extent of the damage or the financial implications of this event. The situation underscores the vulnerabilities in ground handling operations, particularly in challenging weather scenarios, and its impact on airline fleet availability.
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