Delhi Airport's Busiest Runway to Close for Four Months from February 16
The Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) announced on Monday that one of the four runways at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport will shut down for nearly four months. The closure begins on February 16.
This runway, known as Runway 11R/29L or the third runway, is the busiest at the airport and has been in continuous use since 2008. DIAL stated that the runway now requires large-scale rehabilitation due to ageing, higher aircraft movement, and increased operational load.
Flight Operations to Remain Unaffected
DIAL emphasized that the closure will not impact flight operations at IGI Airport. The airport has a capacity to operate 1,514 aircraft per day, and this capacity will remain unchanged during the shutdown.
The airport operator has coordinated with the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and other stakeholders to mitigate any potential disruptions. Airlines and Air Traffic Control (ATC) have been fully briefed, and operational plans are in place to ensure smooth continuity of services.
Details of the Upgrade Project
The rehabilitation work includes several key upgrades:
- Resurfacing of the runway and taxiways
- Installation of a new Instrument Landing System (ILS) to assist pilots during poor visibility
- Construction of a new Rapid Exit Taxiway to allow aircraft to leave the runway more quickly after landing
- Removal and reinstallation of around 2,000 airfield ground lights that outline runway edges and landing zones
- Widening of drainage near the runway ends to prevent water accumulation during heavy rain
The rapid exit taxiway is particularly important as it helps reduce the time a runway is occupied after landing. This improvement will help manage traffic more efficiently, especially during peak hours.
Timeline and Regulatory Approvals
Work is expected to begin on February 16 after receiving regulatory clearances. The runway is scheduled to reopen in early July, subject to approval from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
This closure comes after a previous runway shutdown in April 2025 caused significant flight disruptions at Delhi airport. Following that incident, Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu intervened, leading to the runway being reopened earlier than scheduled.
DIAL has learned from that experience and has taken extensive measures to prevent similar disruptions this time. The comprehensive planning and coordination with all stakeholders aim to ensure that passengers experience minimal inconvenience during the upgrade period.
