Delhi Airport to Close Major Runway for 4 Months
Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) in New Delhi, India’s busiest aviation hub, is preparing for a significant operational change. One of its primary runways, 11R/29L, is expected to be taken out of service from mid-February for extensive infrastructure upgrades. And with the closure likely to last until the end of June.
Major Runway Upgrade Planned from Mid-February
According to reports quoting airport officials, the runway will be temporarily shut to allow for long-planned modernization work. The project includes replacing the existing Instrument Landing System (ILS), building a new rapid exit taxiway, resurfacing the runway, and upgrading the drainage system.
Authorities have emphasized that these improvements are critical to boosting both safety and long-term capacity at the airport, which handles some of the highest air traffic volumes in the country.
Why the Work Matters for Delhi Airport
Runway 11R/29L plays a crucial role in daily operations at IGIA. The upgrades are aimed at improving aircraft movement efficiency and ensuring smoother operations during adverse weather conditions. While the shutdown may cause short-term inconvenience for the passengers. But the officials say the work is essential for meeting future demand and maintaining operational reliability.
Impact on Passengers: Delays and Schedule Changes Likely
For travelers, the closure could mean delays and changes to flight schedules. The timing adds to the challenge, fog typically disrupts flights in Delhi until mid-February, and the April-to-June window coincides with the peak summer travel season.
Although Delhi airport has four runways, operating with one fewer will put added pressure on the remaining infrastructure. Airlines and airport authorities will need to carefully manage traffic to keep disruptions in check.
Lessons From Past Runway Closures
The concerns are not unfounded. A similar runway shutdown last year caused widespread disruption, with thousands of flights delayed and passengers stranded for hours. That project was eventually paused before authorities introduced stricter planning and stakeholder consultation measures, including regulatory oversight.
During the April 2025 closure of runway 28/10, the airport handled nearly 200 fewer flights per day, with daily movements dropping from over 1,200 to about 1,000. When work resumed in June 2025 under a more structured plan, Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) cancelled 114 flights daily and shifted another 86 to non-peak hours to manage congestion.
Better Planning Promised This Time
This time around, both the Civil Aviation Ministry and DIAL say they are better prepared. Officials have assured that improved planning and coordination are in place to minimize passenger inconvenience and prevent a repeat of last year’s chaos.