Ground Equipment Damages Three Air India Planes During Delhi Storms

Three parked Air India aircraft sustained damage at Delhi Airport after being struck by ground equipment during a sudden, severe storm. An IndiGo stepladder was among the machinery that collided with the parked planes due to high-velocity winds. The airport operator confirmed the incident, noting that while the structural integrity of the aircraft was compromised in the impact, no personnel were harmed during the event.

Following the incident, all three affected aircraft were immediately taken out of active operation to undergo mandatory inspections and repairs. The airport operator stated that two of the planes are expected to return to service shortly after minor fixes, while the third requires more extensive maintenance. The disruption has resulted in minor scheduling adjustments for affected routes, with Air India currently working to mitigate passenger inconvenience.

A detailed probe is underway to determine how the ground equipment was left unsecured during the storm conditions. Authorities are investigating potential lapses in safety protocols by ground handling teams during adverse weather. The incident highlights recurring concerns regarding airport infrastructure safety and operational preparedness when sudden, high-intensity storms affect tarmac operations in major transit hubs like Delhi.