Delhi Airport flooded? Operator files FIR against 63 handles over old, incorrect posts

Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) has filed an FIR against 63 social media handles for allegedly circulating misleading posts and videos falsely showing flooding at Indira Gandhi International Airport and suggesting that airport operations had been disrupted.

DIAL, the operator of Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, said it has approached Delhi Police after several social media accounts circulated posts and videos that allegedly misrepresented the situation at the airport.

According to DIAL, the content falsely depicted flooding and waterlogging at IGI Airport and suggested that airport operations had been affected.

The airport operator said some of the material being circulated did not reflect the actual situation at the airport.

Old Dubai Airport video allegedly shared as Delhi Airport footage

DIAL cited one example in which an old video showing waterlogging at Dubai Airport was allegedly presented on social media as footage from Delhi Airport.

The airport operator said such content could create unnecessary concern among passengers and described the circulation as an attempt to spread misinformation and damage the reputation of a critical public utility service.

The FIR has been lodged with the Delhi Police against 63 social media handles, according to DIAL.

What happened at Delhi Airport on September 4?

DIAL acknowledged that temporary water accumulation did occur at the Terminal 3 arrival forecourt on September 4 following exceptionally heavy rainfall.

The airport area recorded approximately 72.2 mm of rainfall in three hours, between 2:30 pm and 5:30 pm.

According to DIAL, airport teams responded immediately and cleared the accumulated water within 20 minutes.

The operator said airport operations continued safely and smoothly in accordance with established protocols.

DIAL urges passengers to rely on official updates

A DIAL spokesperson said the airport remains focused on safety and operational reliability.

“While there was temporary water accumulation in the Terminal 3 arrival forecourt following an episode of intense rainfall, airport operations were not affected, and the situation was resolved within 20 minutes,” the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson alleged that the circulation of misleading material appeared to be an attempt to create public mischief, damage the reputation of a public utility service and cause unnecessary concern among passengers.

DIAL urged passengers to rely on its official channels for information about airport operations.

Why the FIR matters

The FIR comes after social media posts allegedly used unrelated or old footage to portray conditions at one of India’s busiest airports.

The episode highlights the potential impact of misleading videos during weather-related disruptions, when passengers often turn to social media for immediate information.

DIAL has distinguished between the temporary water accumulation that occurred on September 4 and the allegedly misleading posts suggesting widespread flooding or disruption of airport operations.

The investigation by Delhi Police will determine the circumstances behind the circulation of the posts and videos and whether any offences were committed by the accounts named in the FIR.

For passengers, the incident also underlines the importance of checking airport and airline updates before relying on viral videos or posts about flight operations.