In a significant development, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has issued a show cause notice to the Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL), the operator of the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA), following a detailed assessment of structural weaknesses at Terminal 1 (T1). This comes after a roof collapse incident in June 2024 that resulted in a fatality. The AAI is seeking an explanation from DIAL regarding the structural deficiencies identified in the terminal, which could impact the safety of operations. This article explores the circumstances surrounding the show cause notice and the steps taken by DIAL in response.
What Led to the Show Cause Notice?
In June 2024, a tragic roof collapse at the old departure forecourt of Terminal 1 (T1) at Delhi’s IGIA killed one person and raised serious safety concerns. Following this incident, the Civil Aviation Ministry took swift action by commissioning a team of structural engineers from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi, to investigate the cause and assess the overall structural integrity of the terminal.
The study revealed critical weaknesses in areas of T1 that were not directly affected by the collapse. The report highlighted that certain parts of the terminal require immediate strengthening to ensure the safety of passengers and airport personnel. Consequently, the AAI issued a show cause notice to DIAL, seeking clarification and details regarding the weaknesses identified by the IIT Delhi team.
The Response from DIAL
Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL), a public-private partnership operating IGIA, has acknowledged the concerns raised by AAI. A DIAL spokesperson confirmed that the company’s team of experts is actively working on a comprehensive response to the queries raised by the AAI. According to DIAL, the detailed response will be submitted within the stipulated timeline, ensuring full transparency in addressing the issues.
DIAL also stated that the findings of the IIT Delhi study have been shared with the AAI, and clarifications on specific points are being prepared. The airport operator reassured the public that all necessary steps would be taken to rectify the structural flaws and ensure the safety of operations. However, until the structural issues are addressed, the old Terminal 1 (T1) remains closed for operations.
Terminal 1 Operations and Alternative Arrangements
Following the roof collapse at T1, the older terminal was shut down for safety reasons, and a major operational overhaul was initiated. As a result, the new T1 terminal began operations on August 17, 2024. This move helped to alleviate some of the operational pressure while the necessary repairs and upgrades were planned for the old T1.
In addition to the opening of the new T1, Delhi Airport’s Terminal 2 (T2) and Terminal 3 (T3) have been leveraged to accommodate the additional flights and passengers. The restructuring of terminal operations was carried out smoothly to ensure that the airport continues to function efficiently, with minimal disruption to services.
Key Findings from the IIT Delhi Study
The IIT Delhi study, conducted after the T1 roof collapse, highlighted a series of structural concerns that require urgent attention. While the roof collapse incident was isolated to a specific part of the terminal, the investigation identified weaknesses in other sections that were not directly affected by the incident. These structural issues could potentially compromise the long-term stability and safety of T1, necessitating immediate rectification.
As per the findings, the terminal cannot be reopened for operations until the required strengthening measures are completed. This decision aims to prevent any future accidents and ensure the safety of the passengers, airport staff, and others who use the facilities.
DIAL’s Compliance with Service Quality Standards
DIAL, which operates under the Operation, Management, and Development Agreement (OMDA) signed in 2006, is obligated to comply with various safety and service quality standards. The recent show cause notice from AAI serves as a reminder of DIAL’s responsibilities to maintain a safe and efficient airport environment, in line with the terms of the OMDA.
DIAL is a joint venture, with GMR Airports Ltd holding a majority stake of 64%. The remaining shares are held by AAI (26%) and Fraport AG Frankfurt Airport Services Worldwide (10%). As one of India’s busiest airports, IGIA handles over 1,400 flights daily, underscoring the importance of ensuring the highest standards of safety and operational efficiency.
Conclusion and Future Steps
The issuance of the show cause notice by AAI to DIAL marks a crucial step in addressing safety concerns at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport. While the roof collapse at Terminal 1 was a tragic event, it has led to increased scrutiny of the airport’s structural integrity, prompting swift action from the AAI. DIAL’s response to the show cause notice will be vital in determining the next steps for addressing the identified weaknesses.
In the interim, the operations at IGIA are being managed through alternative arrangements at T2 and T3, ensuring minimal disruption to flight schedules. However, the closure of the old T1 terminal remains in place until the necessary repairs and structural improvements are made.
As DIAL works to address the issues raised by AAI, the safety of passengers and airport personnel remains the top priority. It is expected that the necessary actions will be taken swiftly to restore confidence in the operations at one of the country’s busiest and most vital airports.
Refer:
Economic Times, Link to article
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