)
Two Air India planes were grounded after being damaged in a thunderstorm at the Delhi airport on Saturday afternoon. The planes, a Boeing 787 and a Boeing 777, were parked at bay 18 and 22.
The right engine of Boeing 777 was damaged after it was hit from behind by a cargo container that was blown due to strong wind. According to sources, the Boeing 787's left engine was damaged as it was hit by an aerobridge.
The aircraft was parked at an aerobridge and technicians were working on it. It is unclear what caused the Boeing 787 mishap but an airport source said the nose wheel of the aircraft rolled causing the aircraft to turn.
Also Read
Directorate General of Civil Aviation confirmed the incident. Air India spokesperson did not respond to a text message seeking comment.
The Met department had forecast winds up to 20 knots but the actual wind speed was reported at 48 knots, a DGCA official said.
The two planes were being readied for Sydney and Hyderabad and following the incident Air India arranged alternate planes.
