A recent Statsguru analysis has flagged growing infrastructure strains at India’s big airports, revealing that maintenance spending fell to less than 7% of aeronautical revenues in FY24—ranging between just 0.9% and 6.8%. This drop coincides with a rise in structural failures: 2024 saw at least five collapses and four rainwater leak incidents across major terminals.
The most alarming case involved Delhi’s Terminal 1, where heavy rain caused a tensile fabric collapse at the forecourt—echoing last year’s fatal roof failure at the same terminal. These failings reflect a troubling trend: rapid expansion is outpacing proactive upkeep. Analysts argue that as airports grew busier and revenue surged, investment in routine maintenance and structural health lagged.
The June 2024 roof collapse at Delhi International Airport particularly underscored deeper systemic gaps in safety protocols and audit practices . Experts are now urging immediate safety audits and scheduled reviews across all major airports to restore trust and ensure passenger safety.
As India races to expand its aviation infrastructure—from 140 to 220 airports by decade-end—the Statsguru findings serve as a critical caution: without sustained maintenance investment, the country risks undermining its ambitious growth plans.
