NEW DELHI — Three Air India narrow-body aircraft parked at Terminal 2 of the Indira Gandhi International Airport were damaged after being struck by loose ground handling equipment during a severe, unpredicted storm. The aircraft have been pulled from service and sent for detailed technical examinations.
The incident occurred when unexpected high-velocity winds and heavy rain swept across the capital. According to airport officials, the sudden tempest displaced heavy ground support gear—including passenger stepladders belonging to Air India Engineering and IndiGo—causing them to roll across the tarmac and collide with the stationary planes.
Airport authorities confirmed that no personnel were injured, as the parking bays were clear at the time. A private airport operator noted that Air Traffic Control (ATC) had issued no advance weather warnings, leaving ground staff completely blindsided by the sudden squall.
While Air India has declined to comment officially, airline sources indicate that two of the affected aircraft sustained minor abrasions and are expected to resume commercial operations within a couple of days. However, the third aircraft suffered substantial structural damage and will remain grounded significantly longer for extensive structural repairs.