The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is investigating the damage caused to three Air India aircraft parked at Delhi airport due to adverse weather conditions. The incident occurred on June 7, 2026, when strong winds led to ground equipment and foreign object debris damaging the planes. As a result, the aircraft have been grounded for inspection and maintenance.
The damaged aircraft, two of which are expected to return to operations soon, were hit by ground equipment that shifted due to the weather conditions. The right-hand sliding window of one aircraft also sustained damage from foreign object debris impact. Following the incident, all three aircraft were withdrawn from service for detailed inspections and repairs.
Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL) reported that the adverse weather conditions, including heavy rainfall and strong winds, caused the ground handling equipment to shift and collide with the Air India aircraft. The incident highlights the operational challenges faced during sudden weather disruptions, with no advance warning received by the airport operator or airlines regarding the weather change.
The displaced equipment belonged to Air India Engineering Services and IndiGo’s ground handling operations. The unexpected weather changes in Delhi-NCR have led to increased operational difficulties, especially during intense rainfall and strong winds. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast more rainfall and thunderstorms with gusty winds for June 11 and 12.
