New Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport will temporarily shut down one of its key runways for essential upgrades. The closure affects runway 11R/29L, commonly known as the third runway, starting February 16.
Summer Closure and Operational Plans
This shutdown coincides with the peak summer travel season. However, Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) has confirmed that flight operations will face minimal impact. DIAL manages the airport through a GMR Aero-led consortium.
An airport official revealed that approximately 1,520 flights operate daily on average. After extensive multi-stakeholder consultations, DIAL has decided to maintain the airport's scheduled movement capacity at 1,514 flights per day during the closure period.
Coordinated Efforts for Smooth Operations
DIAL has worked closely with the Airports Authority of India and other stakeholders to assess and mitigate potential disruptions. The organization stated that airlines and Air Traffic Control have received comprehensive briefings. Operational plans are firmly in place to ensure service continuity.
Videh Kumar Jaipuriar, CEO of DIAL, emphasized their commitment to timely project completion. "We are delivering this project with minimal disruption to airport operations," Jaipuriar said. He highlighted full coordination with AAI, DGCA, airlines, and all relevant stakeholders.
Essential Rehabilitation Project
The runway rehabilitation represents a crucial initiative for long-term operational safety and efficiency. This project ensures compliance with global aviation standards. The third runway originally entered service in 2008 and has operated continuously for seventeen years.
While regular maintenance occurred since commissioning, including minor rehabilitation in 2017, increased traffic and natural aging necessitate comprehensive upgrades now. The work involves essential strengthening to enhance safety, operational resilience, and future capacity.
Specific Upgrade Components
The upgrade package includes multiple significant improvements:
- Complete resurfacing of the runway surface
- Construction of a new Rapid Exit Taxiway designated Z1
- Installation of a new Instrument Landing System (ILS)
- Removal and reinstallation of approximately 2,000 Airfield Ground Lighting fixtures
These lighting fixtures provide pilots with critical visual guidance during take-off, landing, and ground movements. They define runway edges, centerlines, thresholds, and touchdown zones with specific colors and intensities according to international standards.
Infrastructure Improvements
The new Rapid Exit Taxiway Z1 will connect runway 11R/29L to the existing Zulu taxiway. This addition will enable faster aircraft exits from the runway. It will optimize runway occupancy time, particularly during peak operational hours.
DIAL anticipates recommissioning the upgraded runway in early July, pending approval from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation. The organization draws lessons from previous runway closures, noting that when runway 28/10 closed in 2025, approximately 200 flights experienced daily impacts.
This current project aims to minimize such disruptions through careful planning and stakeholder coordination. The upgrades will ultimately enhance Delhi airport's capacity to handle growing air traffic while maintaining stringent safety standards.
