In the early hours of Sunday, May 25, 2025, a severe thunderstorm accompanied by heavy rainfall and gusty winds reaching up to 82 km/h struck Delhi, leading to significant disruptions at the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA).
The most notable incident was the partial collapse of the tensile canopy at Terminal 1’s arrival forecourt, recently revamped and reopened for flight operations. According to the Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), the canopy’s design allowed it to adjust under pressure, aiding in water dispersal during extreme weather conditions. They emphasized that there was no structural compromise or impact on other parts of the terminal. However, videos circulating on social media depicted water cascading from the canopy, flooding the arrival area and raising concerns about infrastructure resilience.
The storm’s intensity led to the diversion of 49 flights, including 17 international services, between 11:30 pm on Saturday and 4 am on Sunday. Additionally, over 400 flights experienced delays averaging 27 minutes. Access roads to the airport were waterlogged, prompting airlines to issue advisories for passengers to check flight statuses and allow extra travel time. This incident has sparked political reactions, with opposition parties criticizing the government’s infrastructure development claims. The Congress party shared videos of the canopy collapse, sarcastically labeling the event as ‘Vikas overflowing,’ a jab at the ruling party’s development narrative.
As climate change continues to influence weather patterns, such extreme events underscore the need for robust infrastructure capable of withstanding severe conditions. The aviation industry, in particular, must prioritize resilience and adaptability to ensure passenger safety and operational continuity.
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