Third runway closure at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport: Are flights affected?

New Delhi: Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport has temporarily closed its third runway, 11R/29L, for a comprehensive rehabilitation programme, with recommissioning expected in early July, subject to regulatory approvals.

The runway was shut from Wednesday night after receiving the necessary clearances. Despite the closure, Delhi airport operations are expected to remain largely unaffected, with the airport maintaining 1,514 flight movements per day — just six fewer than its average daily capacity.

The closure had initially been scheduled for February 16 but was deferred due to the India Artificial Intelligence Impact Summit 2026 held in the national capital last week.

Runway upgrade to enhance safety and capacity

Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), which operates IGI Airport, said the runway rehabilitation will include resurfacing, structural strengthening, construction of a new Rapid Exit Taxiway (RET), installation of a new Instrument Landing System (ILS) and replacement of airfield lighting systems.

Commissioned in 2008, Runway 11R/29L has been operational for 17 years and previously underwent minor rehabilitation in 2017. With rising air traffic, sustained operational intensity and natural wear, authorities said a major upgrade has become necessary to ensure long-term safety and efficiency.

The new RET, designated Z1, will connect Runway 11R/29L with the existing Zulu taxiway. The addition is expected to enable faster aircraft exits, reduce runway occupancy time and improve peak-hour operational efficiency at Delhi airport.

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New ILS and upgraded airfield lighting system

As part of the upgrade, a new Instrument Landing System will be installed and calibrated in line with Aeronautical Information Regulation and Control (AIRAC) procedures. The ILS installation aims to enhance landing precision and operational reliability, particularly during low-visibility conditions such as winter fog in Delhi.

Around 2,000 Airfield Ground Lighting (AGL) fixtures will also be replaced. The AGL system provides critical visual guidance to pilots during take-off, landing and taxiing, marking runway edges, centreline, threshold and touchdown zones with standardised lighting configurations in accordance with global aviation norms.

Movement capacity maintained at 1,514 flights per day

DIAL, in coordination with the Airports Authority of India (AAI), the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and airlines, has implemented contingency planning to ensure continuity of services.

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Airport authorities have confirmed that the scheduled movement capacity will be maintained at 1,514 flights per day during the rehabilitation period. Operational adjustments have been put in place to minimise passenger inconvenience and maintain service efficiency.

The runway is expected to be recommissioned in early July, subject to final approvals from the DGCA.

With the upgrade, IGI Airport aims to strengthen operational resilience, meet international aviation standards and prepare for future passenger and aircraft traffic growth in India’s busiest aviation hub.