The Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) announced on Friday a significant operational adjustment, confirming that 114 daily flights, representing 7.5 per cent of the total daily movements, will be cancelled for a three-month period. This disruption, effective from June 15 to September 15, is necessitated by crucial upgradation works on Runway 10/28. The long-anticipated closure aims to enhance the airport’s preparedness for future challenges, particularly during the critical fog season.
The upgradation of Runway 10/28, a project that was temporarily postponed in May due to existing congestion issues, is now firmly scheduled. A core component of this extensive work involves upgrading the Instrument Landing System (ILS) to achieve CAT III compliance. This advanced capability will significantly improve flight operations during low visibility conditions, a persistent challenge for the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) during the winter fog season. As the nation’s largest and busiest aviation hub, handling approximately 1,450 flight movements daily, ensuring year-round operational resilience is paramount.
Videh Kumar Jaipuriar, CEO of Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), confirmed at a press conference on Friday that Runway 10/28 will indeed be out of commission for three months starting June 15. He elaborated that the primary objective of these upgrades is to “mitigate any issues or problems that we were facing, especially during the fog season.” This proactive measure reflects a strategic decision to prioritise long-term operational stability and safety over short-term convenience. The works encompass two key upgrades for the runway, designed to enhance its robustness and reliability in diverse weather conditions.
The anticipated reduction in daily flights during this three-month period will average around 7.5 per cent. Passengers are being informed of these changes well in advance, a measure intended to minimise inconvenience. According to DIAL, a total of 200 flights will be impacted, with 114 outright cancellations and the remaining 86 being rescheduled from peak to non-peak hours. While the runway itself is projected to resume operations by September 15, the comprehensive ILS upgrade is slated for completion by November 27, strategically timed just ahead of the onset of the dense fog season, ensuring enhanced operational capabilities when they are most needed.
DIAL’s CEO emphasised that the rescheduling and cancellation of flights are not expected to have a “major impact,” attributing this to the proactive communication with passengers. Efforts have been meticulously made to ensure a balanced approach, striving to maintain operational stability while concurrently minimising disruptions throughout the closure period for RW 28/10. This delicate balancing act underscores the challenges inherent in managing a major international airport’s infrastructure upgrades without crippling daily operations.
Against the backdrop of past instances where airlines and the airport operator experienced differences regarding congestion issues, DIAL was keen to highlight that the current slot adjustment process has been a product of close coordination among all stakeholders. Representatives from various airlines were notably present at the press conference, a visible sign of collaborative planning. It may be recalled that the upgradation of RW 10/28 was originally planned for April-May this year, with the runway temporarily closed for ILS upgradation on April 8. However, a confluence of factors, including the runway closure itself, prevailing easterly winds, and existing congestion, severely impacted flight operations at that time. Consequently, the civil aviation ministry intervened, directing the immediate resumption of operations from RW 10/28 and a postponement of the runway works to the current June 15 to September 15 window. This revised upgradation schedule, critically, received the consensus of all airlines involved, reflecting a more harmonious approach to managing essential infrastructure development.
This strategic upgrade aligns with the broader vision of creating zero-net carbon, eco-friendly, and sustainable urban centres. By enhancing the efficiency and safety of air travel, particularly in challenging weather, it contributes to smoother logistics and reduces the carbon footprint associated with protracted flight delays and holding patterns. A more reliable airport contributes to the economic vitality of the city, fostering equitable opportunities and maintaining Delhi’s position as a critical global aviation hub. The human element of these upgrades lies in providing a safer, more predictable travel experience for all passengers, promoting seamless connectivity and a future-ready air infrastructure.
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