Ceiling collapses at Guwahati airport, flights diverted after heavy rains

Sudden heavy rains lashed the Guwahati airport on Sunday, causing part of the airport’s ceiling to collapse. Strong winds caused severe damage to the Lokpriya Gopinath Bodoloi International Airport, with operations temporarily suspended and six flights diverted.

One video showed a group of passengers waiting outside the airport when part of the ceiling above them suddenly collapsed. No injuries were reported, airport sources said, adding that the collapse was caused by an overflowing water outlet pipe and strong winds.

Several videos recorded by passengers inside the airport showing rain flooding the airport have gone viral on social media. One of the videos showed water pouring from the ceiling inside the airport as staff helplessly tried to sweep the floor. The clip also shows containers placed under the ceiling to collect water.

The storm also uprooted trees blocking the airport approach road. “We immediately rushed there and cleared the road. It took us more than half an hour,” Chief Airport Officer (CAO) Utpal Baruah told news agency PTI, adding that roofs were damaged during the storm Part of it was also blown away.

“I am personally monitoring the situation so that passengers do not face any inconvenience. Due to the storm and heavy rain, visibility dropped drastically and we had to divert six flights,” he said.

IndiGo, Air India and Indian Express flights have been diverted to Agartala and Kolkata. “Visibility has improved and normal operations have resumed. Flights have started landing in Guwahati,” he added.