Delhi airport's Terminal 1 not reopening anytime soon. To be functional in…
T1 is closed for an indefinite period in the wake of Friday's rain-triggered roof collapse mishap, in which a cab driver died and eight others were injured.
The detailed technical study of Delhi airport's shut-for-now Terminal 1 (T1) is expected to be completed in a month, and a call on reopening the terminal will be taken on the basis of the report, a senior government official said on Sunday.
“The technical study of T1 is likely to take about a month. After the findings come in, a decision will be taken about recommencing operations there,” the official told PTI.
T1, which handles domestic flights – IndiGo and SpiceJet use this terminal – is closed indefinitely in the wake of Friday early morning's rain-triggered roof collapse mishap that led to the death of a cab driver and injuries to eight others. Following the incident, the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) stated that engineers from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, have been asked to ‘immediately assess the partial collapse of the canopy.’
Also Read: Delhi airport Terminal 1 suspends operations indefinitely after roof collapse
IndiGo and SpiceJet have moved their domestic operations to the busier T2 and T3 terminals.
Meanwhile, two sources informed the news agency that it might take a ‘few months’ before flight departures and arrivals are permitted at Terminal 1.
The Delhi airport, named after former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, is the country's busiest airport, and the 10th busiest globally. Together, its three terminals handle around 1400 flight movements daily.
Also Read: Not just T1 roof collapse, Delhi airport hit by rain-related incidents in past
The facility is managed by the Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), a consortium led by the GMR Group.
"We remain committed to maintaining flight operations at T3 and T2, while operations at T1 are temporarily suspended. We appreciate the understanding and support of all stakeholders," a DIAL spokesperson noted in a statement.
Also Read: Centre asks airlines to ensure no surge in airfares amid Delhi airport incident
“The evaluation process is still ongoing. Therefore, it is too early to provide specific inputs,” the spokesperson replied to queries about business loss of concessionaries operating shops and services at T1.