'Ensure no abnormal surge in airfare': Centre tells airlines after Delhi airport ops hit

The advisory was issued in the wake of the suspension of operations at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport's Terminal 1 after a portion of the roof in the departure complex collapsed.

"In view of the unfortunate incident at Terminal T1D IGIA, Delhi, all airlines are advised to monitor any abnormal surge in airfares to and from Delhi and take necessary action regarding the same. Further, cancellations and rescheduling of flights due to the incident may be done without penal charges," the ministry said in a post on X.

Earlier, the ministry had suspended all departures from Terminal 1, which handles around 1,400 domestic flights daily, till midnight.

Around 5 am on Friday, the roof sheet and the pillars supporting them came crashing down, killing one, injuring at least six others, and affecting flight ops in one of the world's busiest airports.

With operations hit and flights cancelled, the civil aviation ministry promptly stepped in to ensure passengers were not charged more on the Delhi route.

Low-cost carriers IndiGo and SpiceJet, which operate their domestic flights from Terminal 1, have cancelled several flights and temporarily moved other operations to Terminals 2 and 3.

Union Minister of Civil Aviation Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu rushed to the airport this morning and inspected the damage and rescue efforts.

"Following the collapse of the Delhi T1 terminal this morning, I have personally inspected the site. Our immediate priority was the safe evacuation of all passengers from the terminal," Kinjarapu said.

He also informed the media that he would see experts thoroughly examine the terminal's structure to ensure safety.