Severe Weather Damages Air India Aircraft at Delhi Airport
Incident Overview
Officials at the airport reported that three Air India planes sustained damage at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport due to strong winds and heavy rain, which caused ground support equipment to collide with the aircraft. This incident occurred on Saturday night at Terminal 2 when the weather suddenly deteriorated. According to Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), the high winds caused equipment from Air India Engineering and IndiGo to shift from their positions and strike the parked planes.
Aircraft Taken Out of Service
Following the incident, all three narrow-body Air India aircraft were promptly removed from service for inspection and repairs. Sources indicated that two of the planes suffered relatively minor damage and are expected to return to operation within a few days. However, the third aircraft incurred more significant damage and may remain grounded for an extended period.
No Injuries Reported
Fortunately, there were no reports of injuries resulting from this event. Airport officials noted that the sudden storm caught the ground crew off guard.
Lack of Weather Warning
DIAL stated that air traffic control did not issue any prior weather warnings regarding the sudden change in conditions. Such alerts would have allowed airlines and airport operators to secure ground equipment near the aircraft ahead of the storm.
Additional Damage
Several ground equipment pieces were also reported damaged during the incident. While the three affected planes belonged to Air India, sources suggested that aircraft operated by other airlines might also have been impacted by the unexpected weather.
Need for Safety Inspections
A source mentioned that the area near the aircraft stairs was significantly affected, necessitating extensive safety checks before the planes can return to service.
Previous Incidents
Air India has not yet released an official statement regarding this incident. This event follows a previous occurrence where an Air India Airbus A350 was damaged at Delhi Airport a few months ago when an unsecured baggage container collided with the aircraft's engine during taxiing in dense fog.
Engine Fire Incident
Additionally, during landing at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport, an Air India flight experienced an engine fire, but the aircraft managed to land safely.
Airline's Commitment to Safety
In a statement released on the micro-blogging platform X (formerly Twitter), the airline confirmed the incident and reiterated that the safety of passengers and crew is its top priority. Air India stated, "We are aware of an incident involving flight AI2802 from Bengaluru to Delhi on May 21, 2026. The aircraft landed safely, and all passengers and crew are secure. We are currently gathering more information and working with the relevant authorities."
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Witness Accounts
HEART STOPPING MOMENT AT DELHI AIRPORT T2.
— Rahul Shivshankar (@RShivshankar) June 8, 2026
FIRST FOOTAGE.
3 Air India aircraft parked at Delhi Airport’s Terminal 2 were damaged after ground equipment broke loose during a sudden storm and slammed into the planes. Sources claim no prior ATC weather warning was issued to airlines… pic.twitter.com/c8Y9pl9RX9