Get you up to speed: Three planes damaged after storm sends unsecured gear crashing into aircraft | News World
Three Air India Airbus A320s were damaged at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, India, when strong winds sent unsecured ground support equipment crashing into them. The incident occurred during a sudden storm on Saturday, with no injuries reported, and all three aircraft have been withdrawn from service.
Three Air India Airbus A320s were withdrawn from service after being damaged by equipment blown into them by severe winds at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi. Two aircraft are expected to return to operation this week, while repairs to the third may take several days longer due to extensive damage.
Indira Gandhi International Airport officials confirmed that three Air India Airbus A320s were damaged by unsecured ground equipment during a sudden storm, stating that “a step ladder and a trestle were blown into the planes by the strong winds.” Although no injuries were reported, the failure of Air Traffic Control to issue a weather warning has raised concerns, prompting the airport authority to review operational protocols before the expected return of two aircraft to service this week.
What remains unclear — It is not known why Air Traffic Control did not issue a warning about the deteriorating weather conditions.
Three Air India Airbus A320s damaged by flying equipment during storm at Delhi airport
Three planes were damaged when violent winds sent airport equipment hurtling across the tarmac and crashing into them.
Footage filmed through a terminal window shows heavy rain and powerful gusts battering the airport yesterday afternoon.
At one point, a set of boarding stairs was blown across the tarmac, prompting several ground staff in hi-vis jackets to sprint after it.
A driverless ground support vehicle could also be seen being pushed across the tarmac, passing just feet from stationary aircraft.
Three Air India Airbus A320S at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, India, were damaged during the sudden storm.
All three aircraft were empty at the time, and no injuries were reported.
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Airport officials said a step ladder and a trestle were blown into the planes by the strong winds.
An airport worker was seen sprinting towards the gear as it drifted into the planes (Picture: NDTV)
A source from IndiGo told local media the trestle had been secured but came loose during the severe weather.
Air Traffic Control failed to warn the airport operator or airlines about the deteriorating conditions.
All three aircraft were withdrawn from service following the incident.
Two are expected to return to operation this week, while repairs to the third are likely to take several days longer.
The step ladder and trestle were reportedly badly damaged, but no injuries were reported.
It isn’t the first weather-related mishap involving an Air India aircraft at Indira Gandhi International Airport.
In January, a new Airbus A350 was damaged after ingesting an unsecured baggage container while taxiing following a flight from New York in dense fog.
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