Delhi Airport's Terminal 1 to resumes operations on August 17 after roof collapse

Good news for travellers! Delhi Airport's Terminal 1 (T1) is all set to resume operations from August 17 with SpiceJet flights. The statement was released by Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), led by the GMR Group. The terminal was shut down on June 28, after a roof collapse incident. The collapse was caused by heavy rains, which resulted in one fatality and six injuries.

During the closure, flights were redirected to Terminals 2 and 3, with IndiGo operating approximately 80% of T1's flights and SpiceJet handling the rest. The section of T1 reopening on August 17 is part of the Phase 3A expansion project.
This area, situated on the terminal's far right, was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 10 this year. The collapsed portion, which affected the left and central areas of the terminal, will remain closed for an extended period.

DIAL has coordinated with flight operators to facilitate the transition of flights from T2 and T3 back to T1. SpiceJet is set to move 13 of its flights to T1 starting August 17, with IndiGo planning to shift 34 of its flights back to T1 from September 2. Despite these adjustments, T1 will operate at only about 25% of its pre-collapse capacity.

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Passengers flying with SpiceJet at T1 will use entry gate A on the ground floor, while those traveling with IndiGo will enter through gates 5 and 6 on the first floor. All arrivals will be processed through designated areas on the ground floor.
Videh Kumar Jaipuriar, CEO of DIAL, noted that the reopening of T1 will alleviate congestion at T2 and T3, providing passengers with a smoother travel experience enhanced by improved amenities and advanced technology. Delhi Airport currently handles approximately 1,240 flights daily.

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Following the roof collapse, Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu announced compensation of Rs 20 lakh for the deceased and Rs 3 lakh for each injured individual. He emphasized the need for a thorough safety inspection, stating that both DIAL and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) will be involved in reviewing the incident. As of now, the DGCA has not released a report on the matter.