In the wake of a fatal roof collapse at Terminal 1 (T1) of Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) in Delhi, Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu conducted a thorough review of the airport’s operations. The incident, caused by heavy rainfall last Friday, resulted in the death of a cab driver and injuries to several others, prompting immediate action from the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
Immediate Response and Relocation of Flights
Following the collapse, all departing flights were swiftly relocated to Terminals 2 (T2) and 3 (T3). Naidu visited the Airport Operations Control Centre (AOCC) to assess the current situation and ensure the effective handling of passengers during this transition. He emphasized the importance of maintaining smooth operations and a positive passenger experience.
High-Level Meeting with Key Stakeholders
Naidu chaired a meeting with senior officials from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), and representatives from various airlines. The discussions centered on strategies to manage the increased passenger volume at T2 and T3 and ensure timely communication between DIAL and the airlines.
Safety and Coordination Measures
The DGCA confirmed the activation of “war rooms” to facilitate close coordination between DIAL and airlines. This measure aims to ensure timely communication and address any challenges arising from the increased passenger volume at T2 and T3. Naidu stressed the importance of upholding the highest safety standards for passengers, urging all stakeholders to prioritize passenger well-being and work collaboratively to provide a seamless travel experience.
Ongoing Investigations and Structural Assessments
An FIR (First Information Report) has been filed by Delhi Police under sections related to death by negligence. Investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the collapse. Meanwhile, T1 remains closed as authorities continue debris removal and conduct a full structural assessment.
Future Preventive Measures
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 any abnormal surge in airfares during this period. Naidu emphasized the need for nationwide inspections, stating, “We have asked for inspection reports from all airports across the country within 2-5 days. Based on these reports, we will take necessary actions to prevent such incidents.”
This proactive approach aims to enhance structural safety and ensure that similar incidents do not recur, reinforcing the commitment to passenger safety and operational efficiency at all airports across the country.
