Delhi Storm's Fury: Three Air India Aircraft Hit, Aviation Probe Underway

Delhi, June 8, 2026 – Imagine the scene: one moment, the usual hustle and bustle of a major international airport, the next, a sudden, furious onslaught of nature. That's precisely what unfolded at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport this past Friday, June 7th. A powerful, unseasonal storm, complete with aggressive winds and torrential rain, swept across the tarmac, leaving a trail of unexpected damage in its wake – specifically, to three Air India aircraft.

It's quite a sight to behold, or rather, to hear about. The ferocity of the weather was such that it didn't just cause minor dents; it inflicted tangible harm on some serious machinery. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) wasted no time, immediately ordering a thorough probe into the incidents, underscoring the gravity of the situation.

Let's talk specifics, shall we? One of the most prominent victims was an Air India Boeing 787-8, registration VT-ENA, which was quietly parked at Bay 256. This majestic Dreamliner suffered damage to its radome, that crucial nose cone protecting its radar equipment. It's a sensitive part, and any damage there can be quite a headache, requiring precise repairs.

Elsewhere on the sprawling airport grounds, another Air India aircraft, an Airbus A321 (VT-PPH), met a similar fate. This particular plane wasn't even operational at the time, but rather undergoing maintenance in a hangar. Yet, the storm's power was such that it managed to damage its right wing-tip fence. It just goes to show, sometimes even being tucked away indoors isn't enough to escape Mother Nature's wrath.

But the story doesn't end there. A third aircraft, an Air India Express Boeing 737 (VT-AXW), also bore the brunt. This one, stationed at Bay 242, suffered damage after being impacted by ground support equipment (GSE). One can only imagine the sheer force of the wind needed to move or propel such heavy machinery into an aircraft. It’s a stark reminder of the potential hazards severe weather poses, even when aircraft are supposedly secure on the ground.

Thankfully, and this is truly the most important part, there have been no reports of injuries to any personnel or passengers. That's a huge relief, considering the extent of the damage to the aircraft. While the financial cost and the potential for operational disruptions are undoubtedly significant, human safety always comes first.

The DGCA's investigation will now delve deep into understanding how this all transpired. Was everything properly secured? Could more have been done to mitigate the risks? These are the kinds of questions that will be asked as they work to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future. It’s a crucial step to ensure the continued safety and reliability of air travel, even when faced with the unpredictable whims of the weather.