Delhi Airport to Close One Runway for Five Months From February 16 for Major Upgrades
Delhi International Airport Ltd. (DIAL) has announced that one of its runways will remain closed for nearly five months starting February 16, as part of a major resurfacing and upgrade project.
The runway, identified as 11R/29L, will undergo comprehensive rehabilitation to improve safety, efficiency, and future capacity at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA).
Flight Operations to Continue Smoothly
Despite the temporary closure, DIAL said the airport will continue to handle 1,514 scheduled air traffic movements (ATM) per day. Airlines and Air Traffic Control (ATC) teams have already been informed, and detailed operational plans are in place to ensure minimal disruption to passengers.
What the Upgrade Includes
The runway rehabilitation project, which is subject to regulatory approvals, will involve:
- Complete resurfacing of the runway
- Construction of a new rapid exit taxiway
- Installation of a modern Instrument Landing System (ILS)
These upgrades are aimed at improving landing safety, reducing aircraft turnaround time, and supporting future traffic growth.
Why the Runway Needs Repair Now
Commissioned in 2008, the runway has been operational for 17 years. While regular maintenance has been carried out over the years, including minor repairs in 2017, rising air traffic, continuous usage, and natural ageing have made a full-scale upgrade necessary.
According to DIAL, the strengthening work will help enhance operational resilience and align the airport with global aviation standards.
Expected Reopening in July
The runway is expected to be recommissioned in early July, subject to approval from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
DIAL CEO Videh Kumar Jaipuriar said the project is a critical infrastructure upgrade that will ensure long-term safety and efficiency at the airport. He added that DIAL is working closely with the Airports Authority of India (AAI), DGCA, airline operators, and other stakeholders to complete the project on time with minimal impact on airport operations.
Before finalizing the plan, DIAL also held multiple high-level consultations with key stakeholders to assess and reduce the impact of the runway closure.
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