In response to the tragic roof collapse at Terminal 1 (T1) of Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI), Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu visited the Airport Operations Control Centre (AOCC) to assess the ongoing situation and passenger handling after all departing flights were moved to Terminals 2 (T2) and 3 (T3).
Naidu convened a meeting with senior officials from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), and airline representatives. The discussions centered on maintaining smooth operations and ensuring a positive passenger experience during this transition.
"The DGCA confirmed the activation of war rooms to facilitate close coordination between DIAL and the airlines," Naidu shared on X, highlighting efforts to ensure timely communication and address challenges arising from the increased passenger volume at T2 and T3.
During the meeting, Naidu emphasized the importance of upholding the highest safety standards for passengers. He advised all stakeholders to prioritize passenger well-being and collaborate to provide a seamless travel experience.
This review follows the collapse of a canopy in the T1 departure area last Friday, caused by heavy rainfall. The incident resulted in the death of a cab driver and injuries to several others.
Delhi Police have filed an FIR under sections related to death by negligence, and investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the collapse. T1 remains closed as authorities work on debris removal and conduct a full structural assessment. All departing flights are currently operating from T2 and T3.
To prevent future incidents, Naidu announced the involvement of a special team from IIT Delhi's structural engineering department for an initial inspection. He also instructed airlines to avoid abnormal airfare surges.
"We are committed to preventing similar incidents in the future. We have requested inspection reports from all airports across the country within 2-5 days. Based on these reports, we will take necessary actions to ensure safety," Naidu previously stated.