Canopy partially collapses at airport amid heavy rain

A section of the canopy at Terminal 1 of Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport collapsed early on Sunday morning after thunderstorm and heavy rain battered the national capital.

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The incident was captured on video, showing a portion of the terminal’s tensile overhang buckling under pressure, with water gushing onto the pavement below.

According to the airport authorities, the city recorded wind speeds of 70-80 km/h and 80 mm of rain within 45 minutes around 2 am.

In a statement, the Delhi Airport clarified, “As part of the design’s natural response to extreme conditions and to prevent excessive water retention, a section of the external tensile fabric at the T1 Arrival forecourt adjusted under pressure, thereby aiding in water dispersal. There was no structural compromise or impact to other parts of the terminal.”

Due to the extreme weather, 49 flights, including 17 international flights, were diverted from the Delhi Airport. Operations were briefly disrupted, but the airport management emphasised that the situation was quickly brought under control. Ground teams reportedly responded swiftly to manage the situation, ensuring safety and resuming operations with minimal delays.

The storm also led to severe waterlogging across several parts of Delhi, including the busy Minto Road area, where visuals showed cars submerged in floodwaters. Traffic congestion and slow-moving vehicles were reported from various corners of the city throughout the morning.