Patna: An exterior tile detached from a pillar and fell in the arrival concourse of the newly operational integrated terminal building at Jayprakash Narayan International Airport (JPNI), Patna, on Tuesday. However, no injuries were reported, and passenger movement continued without major disruption.According to eyewitnesses, the tile first struck a steel safety rod around the pillar before hitting the ground, producing a loud noise that caused momentary alarm among passengers. Airport authorities soon cordoned off the ‘Meet and Greet’ area near pillar number 5, where the incident occurred, and ordered immediate inspection.On Wednesday, Patna airport issued an official clarification in response to circulating reports and social media posts. “Certain news reports and social media posts are being observed regarding an incident at Patna airport on April 21. It is clarified that an exterior tile fell from a pillar located in the arrival concourse. No disruption, panic or untoward incident has been reported,” the statement said.It further added, “The incident is isolated in nature and is not related to the structural stability of the terminal. Immediate inspection and assessment have been initiated, along with preventive measures across the terminal to avoid any recurrence. Passenger safety remains our top priority.”Airport director Chandra Pratap Dwivedi earlier said maintenance work was already underway at the site, with warning signs in place. “The section has been sealed off and a detailed investigation is being conducted to identify the cause and implement corrective measures,” he said, adding that the maintenance agency has been instructed to inspect and replace floor and wall tiles across the entire complex.
