India's Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport in New Delhi experienced a brief power outage on Monday, causing minor disruptions to passengers and airport services.
The interruption, lasting approximately seven minutes, was due to a voltage imbalance from the Delhi Transco Limited (DTL) grid, affecting baggage acceptance and e-gates across all IGI terminals, according to airport management.
\"Voltage imbalance from the Delhi Transco Limited (DTL) grid briefly impacted all IGI terminals, affecting baggage acceptance and e-gates,\" a spokesperson for Delhi International Airport explained.
The IGI Airport, operated by GMR Airports, serves as a major hub with three terminals handling both commercial and cargo flights. Fortunately, the power back-up system activated swiftly, restoring the main power supply shortly after the outage began.
During the blackout, air conditioning systems in the terminals were temporarily disabled, but they resumed normal operation soon after power was restored. Despite the brief disruption, airport officials reported that operations returned to normal without significant delays.
Recent weeks have seen record-breaking temperatures in New Delhi, exacerbating challenges such as water shortages and frequent power cuts for residents. The power outage at IGI Airport comes at a crucial time, as June marks the peak of the airline industry's busy season in India, with school vacations driving increased travel demand.
Industry sources noted that even short power interruptions can lead to check-in and boarding delays, especially during high-traffic periods. Social media users shared images of passengers waiting in long queues at check-in counters as airline staff worked to restore computerized operations.
India continues to be one of the world's fastest-growing aviation markets. Government data projects that domestic air travel will double to 300 million passengers from 152 million in 2023, highlighting the critical need for reliable infrastructure to support this rapid growth.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
