The incident took place on Sunday evening near Terminal 2, where a sudden spell of stormy weather disrupted ground operations at one of the country’s busiest aviation hubs. No injuries were reported, but the damage added to operational pressure at a time when airlines are already dealing with weather-linked delays, aircraft availability constraints and tight summer schedules.
The affected aircraft were single-aisle jets used on domestic and short-haul international routes. One of them is expected to remain grounded for several days for repairs, while the other two may return to service during the week after technical inspections and clearance. The airline is assessing the extent of damage before putting the aircraft back into operation, as aviation rules require checks whenever an aircraft is struck by ground equipment or exposed to possible structural impact.
Strong winds displaced equipment used for passenger boarding and aircraft servicing, causing it to move from its secured position and hit parked planes. A passenger stepladder operated by another airline was among the equipment seen being blown towards an Air India aircraft during the storm. The incident has drawn attention to ramp safety procedures during sudden weather changes, particularly the securing of mobile equipment such as ladders, trolleys, loaders, tow bars and maintenance platforms.
Delhi airport operations were affected by turbulent weather through the evening, with rain, lightning and gusty winds reducing visibility and complicating both airside and ground handling activity. The airport routinely handles heavy domestic and international traffic, making short disruptions capable of producing cascading delays across several routes. Airlines were required to reschedule some services, adjust aircraft assignments and manage passenger connections after the damaged aircraft were withdrawn from rotation.
The weather system struck after a period of high temperatures across the National Capital Region. Forecasts had warned of thunderstorm activity, light rain and strong winds in parts of Delhi, with gusts capable of reaching high speeds. Such convective weather events often develop quickly during the pre-monsoon phase and can create hazardous ramp conditions even when the duration of rainfall is limited.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation is expected to examine whether all prescribed airside safety measures were followed, including the securing of ground support equipment before and during adverse weather. Airport operators and ground handlers are required to follow standard operating procedures when strong winds, lightning or heavy rain are forecast or observed. These include anchoring or parking equipment in designated zones, halting exposed ramp activity when necessary and ensuring that loose objects are not left near aircraft stands.
Air India’s immediate priority is to restore the affected aircraft safely without compromising inspection standards. The carrier, now in the middle of a wide-ranging fleet and service overhaul under the Tata Group, operates a large number of Airbus narrow-body aircraft across the domestic network. Even temporary withdrawal of three jets can affect daily rostering because single-aisle aircraft form the backbone of high-frequency routes connecting Delhi with major cities.
The incident also underlines the growing exposure of airport operations to intense and unpredictable weather. Delhi airport has faced repeated disruptions during heavy rain, thunderstorms and low-visibility conditions, while ground infrastructure and airside management remain under scrutiny after severe weather episodes in past years. Airport safety specialists point out that parked aircraft are vulnerable not only to wind and debris but also to secondary impacts caused by equipment that has not been secured adequately.
Aircraft damage from ground equipment can range from minor dents and scratches to deeper structural issues requiring detailed maintenance checks. Even when visible damage appears limited, engineers must inspect fuselage panels, doors, control surfaces and surrounding structures before certifying the aircraft for service. Any impact near critical sections can require non-destructive testing, replacement of components or manufacturer consultation.
Passengers booked on flights operated by the affected aircraft may face schedule changes if the airline has to rearrange fleet deployment. Carriers usually try to minimise disruption by using spare aircraft, retiming flights or merging services, but spare capacity can be limited during peak travel periods. Delhi’s role as a major hub means that even a small reduction in available aircraft can affect onward connections and crew planning.
The event comes at a time when airport operators are being pushed to strengthen climate resilience. Higher temperatures, sudden dust storms, heavy downpours and sharp wind shifts have increased the importance of real-time weather monitoring and rapid response protocols on the ramp. Ground handling companies, airlines and airport authorities are likely to reassess whether equipment restraint practices are strong enough for fast-moving storms.
