Delhi Airport Runway Closure To Impact 200 Flights Daily For Three Months

Image Source: Times of India

Passengers traveling through Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport should brace for disruptions as one of the airport’s four runways undergoes a major upgrade. The closure of Runway 10/28, effective from June 15 to September 15, will lead to the cancellation and rescheduling of nearly 200 flights daily.

Reason For The Closure

The runway is being upgraded to CAT 3B compliance, an advanced instrument landing system that allows aircraft to land safely in extremely poor visibility conditions.
Currently, the runway supports lowvisibility landings from only one end. The upgrade will enable operations from both directions, improving winter flight schedules.
The project aims to enhance airport efficiency, particularly during North India’s dense winter fog, which often causes widespread flight delays.

Impact On Flight Operations

Airlines will cancel 114 flights each day, while another 86 flights will be rescheduled to nonpeak hours.
The cancellation rate will rise to 8 percent, compared to the usual daily average of 3–3.5 percent.
The airport operator, Delhi International Airport Ltd, has coordinated with airlines and aviation authorities to minimize disruptions.
IndiGo will cancel 33 daily flights, while Air India will cancel 25 flights.

Operational Adjustments

During the closure, Runway 29R/11L will handle departures, Runway 29L/11R will manage arrivals, and Runway 27/9 will serve both arriving and departing flights.
If westerly winds prevail, the three operational runways will accommodate 42 arrivals and 42 departures per hour.
In case of easterly winds, the arrival capacity will reduce to 32 flights per hour, potentially causing delays.

Looking Ahead

The upgrade is expected to improve airport efficiency in the long term, ensuring smoother operations during peak fog conditions.
Passengers are advised to check flight schedules in advance and anticipate possible delays.

Sources: Times Now News, Hindustan Times, Indian Express, MSN India.