New Delhi: Three Air India narrowbody aircraft sustained damage at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport after strong winds and heavy rain caused ground support equipment to break loose and collide with the parked planes.

The incident occurred at Terminal 2 during a spell of severe weather that swept across the national capital, creating hazardous conditions on the airport apron. According to the airport operator, equipment belonging to Air India Engineering Services and IndiGo was displaced by powerful gusts before striking the aircraft.

All three affected Air India planes were immediately withdrawn from service for safety inspections and repairs following the collision.

Airport officials said the weather deteriorated rapidly and claimed that no prior alert regarding the sudden change in conditions had been issued by Air Traffic Control to either airlines or the airport operator.

While Air India did not officially comment on the incident, sources familiar with the matter said the impact was not limited to the national carrier's fleet. Aircraft operated by other airlines were also reportedly affected by the adverse weather conditions at the airport.

According to airline sources, two of the three damaged Air India aircraft are expected to return to service after undergoing routine repairs and technical checks. The third aircraft, however, suffered more extensive damage and may require a longer maintenance period before it can resume operations.

With PTI inputs