New Delhi, India: Three Air India narrow-body aircraft sustained damage at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) after ground support equipment was blown across the apron during sudden strong winds and heavy rain on June 7, 2026.
The incident occurred at Terminal 2, where the aircraft were parked on the ground when severe weather conditions struck the airport area. Powerful winds dislodged several pieces of ground support equipment from their designated positions, causing them to collide with the parked aircraft. No injuries were reported and no passengers were on board at the time. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.
The damaged aircraft were Air India single-aisle aircraft parked at Terminal 2 when the storm hit. The affected aircraft have been withdrawn from service for inspections and repairs. One aircraft is expected to remain grounded for several days, while the other two could return to operations later this week following technical assessments and necessary repairs.
At least three pieces of ground support equipment were involved. These included a passenger step ladder and a trestle that were reportedly positioned near the aircraft stands before the weather deteriorated. The equipment was hurled from its location after strong winds swept across the apron area.
Video footage that surfaced online showed a passenger boarding staircase belonging to IndiGo moving uncontrollably across the apron before striking a parked Air India aircraft. The footage quickly circulated on social media and raised questions regarding the securing of movable airport equipment during adverse weather conditions.
While it is confirmed that three aircraft were damaged, authorities have not disclosed the registrations of the aircraft or specified which sections of each aircraft were struck. As of June 8, neither Air India nor airport authorities have publicly identified whether the damage occurred to the fuselage, wings, tail, nose section, engines or other structures. Technical inspections are underway to determine the full extent of the damage.
The sudden storm brought strong winds and heavy rain to the airport area, creating hazardous ramp conditions within a short period.
Following the incident, the damaged aircraft were removed from operational service and subjected to engineering inspections. A probe has been initiated to establish the sequence of events, assess weather-related factors and review ground handling procedures for securing equipment during sudden adverse weather.
