Delhi airport’s Terminal 1 hit the news last month after a portion of the canopy at the old departure forecourt collapsed partially killing one person amid record rain. The incident left eight people injured and four cars damaged. A spokesperson for Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) attributed the collapse to the record-breaking heavy winds and rain.
Post the incident, T1 was shut last week.
An Indian Express report citing sources said that the terminal is likely to reopen after two to three months.
Canopy to be rebuilt?
Following the incident, the Ministry of Civil Aviation announced that structural engineers from IIT Delhi have been tasked with conducting an assessment. An official stated that the technical study of Terminal 1 (T1) is expected to take nearly a month. Once the findings are shared, a decision will be made regarding the resumption of operations at T1, the official added.
However, a source at the airport told IE that the entire canopy of the airport is likely to be rebuilt. “If a portion of any structure falls, generally the entire structure has to be rebuilt,” he said.
On being asked about the operations commencing at the terminal, DIAL representatives said, “DIAL’s cross-functional teams have been formed and are actively evaluating the situation, engaging with various stakeholders to find the best way forward to ensure passengers’ safety and convenience.”
They added that they are “committed to ensuring that flight operations continue from T3 and T2 while operations at T1 remain temporarily suspended until further notice”.