NAVI MUMBAI — Days after being celebrated for its inclusion on a list of the world's most beautiful airports, the Rs 19,650-crore terminal demonstrated the breadth of its capabilities by admitting water into the baggage hall during light rain.

The operator, which had said it was "honoured to see our airports recognised on a global platform" and "committed to delivering world-class experiences," clarified that the water had come from an air-conditioning duct rather than the roof, and that the seepage had been contained within thirty minutes — a response time officials offered as further evidence of operational excellence. The terminal, which began commercial operations in December, had been praised in particular for its lotus-inspired design, the petals of which were not implicated.

The episode placed it within an established national tradition of world-class facilities that struggle with the first rain of the season. Recent monsoons have seen newly built airport canopies tear, false ceilings come down, and decorative structures fail within months of inauguration, each event followed by an assurance that the matter was being looked into and the affected area cleaned within the hour.

A spokesperson reaffirmed the operator's commitment to a world-class experience, adding that the airport had performed exactly as designed in every respect except the one currently going viral. The terminal remained beautiful, he noted, gesturing toward the portion of ceiling that was still dry.