Video: Delhi airport canopy collapse amid heavy rain

Dubai: Heavy thunderstorms and rain early Sunday caused a partial collapse of the shade structure at Terminal 1 of Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, one of India’s busiest airports.

Videos and photos showed a large section of the overhang buckling onto the pavement, with water flooding the area.

Responding to the incident, a Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) spokesperson told local media that, as part of the design’s natural response to extreme conditions and to prevent excessive water buildup, a section of the external tensile fabric at the T1 Arrival forecourt shifted under pressure to help disperse water.

The spokesperson assured that there was no structural damage or impact on other parts of the terminal. Ground teams acted swiftly to restore normal conditions, ensuring safety and minimising operational disruptions.

Flight disruptions and passenger advisory

Due to severe weather in the national capital, 49 flights—including 17 international—were diverted between 11:30 pm Saturday and 4 am Sunday, airport sources confirmed. Normal operations have since resumed.

Delhi Airport issued a passenger advisory at 6:50 am, urging travelers to check their flight status regularly and stay in contact with airline staff for updates. A statement on X read, “Our on-ground teams are working closely with all stakeholders to ensure a smooth and efficient passenger experience despite last night’s disruptions.”

Severe waterlogging was reported in several areas, including Moti Bagh, Minto Road, and near Terminal 1. Visuals from Minto Road showed a car submerged in floodwater. Cleanup efforts were underway on Akbar Road after fallen trees blocked roads. Traffic congestion was reported at Dhaula Kuan, while heavy flooding slowed movement at Nanakpura Underpass.

The storms also affected parts of Haryana’s Jhajjar district.

On Saturday, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for Delhi and neighboring areas, forecasting strong thunderstorms, heavy rain, and high-speed winds.

The IMD’s Nowcast warning noted a thunderstorm cell approaching from the west/northwest, expected to bring dust-raising winds reaching 40–60 km/h, frequent lightning, and gusty winds.

Residents were advised to avoid open spaces, not take shelter under trees, stay away from weak walls or unstable structures, and avoid water bodies.

With inputs from ANI