Travelers can look forward to the reopening of Delhi Airport’s Terminal 1 (T1) on August 17, as it resumes operations with SpiceJet flights. Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), under the GMR Group, temporarily closed the terminal on June 28 after a roof collapse caused by heavy rains. The incident resulted in one fatality and six injuries.
During the closure, flights were redirected to Terminals 2 and 3, with IndiGo and SpiceJet managing the majority of T1’s operations. The section of T1 set to reopen is part of the ongoing Phase 3A expansion project. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the newly refurbished area on the terminal’s far right on March 10. However, the collapsed portion, which impacted the terminal’s left and central sections, will remain closed for an extended period.
After Roof Collapse Incident
DIAL has been working closely with airline operators to ensure a smooth transition of flights back to T1. SpiceJet will 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 the reopening, T1 will operate at approximately 25% of its pre-collapse capacity.
Passengers flying with SpiceJet at T1 will enter through gate A on the ground floor, while IndiGo passengers will use gates 5 and 6 on the first floor. Designated areas on the ground floor will process all arrivals.
Videh Kumar Jaipuriar, CEO of DIAL, highlighted that the reopening of T1 will help reduce congestion at Terminals 2 and 3, offering travelers a more seamless experience enhanced by improved amenities and advanced technology. Currently, Delhi Airport handles around 1,240 flights daily.
In response to 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 stressed the importance of a comprehensive safety review, with both DIAL and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) involved in investigating the incident. As of now, the DGCA has not released its findings.