Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA), a critical aviation hub handling approximately 1,400 flight movements daily, is preparing for a significant operational adjustment with the planned ninety-day closure of one of its four runways, commencing on June 15th.
This proactive measure, aimed at undertaking crucial enhancements to the oldest runway, 28/10, follows an aborted attempt at similar works in April that resulted in considerable flight delays and diversions due to unforeseen weather patterns. The upcoming closure is intended to facilitate vital upgrades, including the installation of a new CAT III B Instrument Landing System (ILS) and an extended lighting system, both designed to significantly improve the safety and reliability of landings during Delhi’s notorious winter fog season. The decision to proceed with the runway closure in the June-to-September window is a strategic one, informed by the lessons learned from the premature termination of April’s maintenance efforts. Airport authorities have identified this period as more conducive for such extensive work due to an anticipated lean travel period and a seasonal shift in wind patterns that typically allows for more efficient utilisation of the remaining operational runways. This careful timing underscores the airport’s commitment to minimising disruption to flight schedules and passenger convenience, a stark contrast to the challenges encountered earlier in the year.
A key takeaway from April’s operational strain was the apparent lack of a robust regulatory framework to enforce schedule reductions during essential infrastructure work. In anticipation of the upcoming closure, airport authorities are expected to convene a meeting with airlines and other stakeholders. A primary agenda item will likely be to impress upon the airlines the necessity of formulating comprehensive plans and adjusted schedules to preempt a recurrence of the chaos witnessed previously. This collaborative approach aims to ensure a more streamlined and predictable operational environment during the ninety-day runway upgrade. The enhancements planned for Runway 28/10 are of paramount importance for bolstering the airport’s resilience against the persistent challenges posed by low visibility conditions during the winter months. The implementation of the advanced CAT III B ILS, coupled with an extended lighting system, will significantly augment the airport’s capacity to handle landings even in dense fog, thereby mitigating potential flight disruptions and ensuring greater predictability for both airlines and passengers during the peak fog season. This upgrade represents a long-term investment in the airport’s operational efficiency and its ability to maintain smooth air traffic flow throughout the year.
The projected reopening of Runway 28/10, fully upgraded and capable of managing low-visibility operations from both ends, is slated for mid-September, concluding the ninety-day closure period. This timely completion is crucial as it will equip the airport with enhanced capabilities to manage the anticipated low-visibility conditions of the upcoming winter season. The successful execution of these upgrades is not just about improving infrastructure; it is about ensuring the seamless and sustainable operation of a vital transportation hub, minimising disruptions for travellers, and reinforcing Delhi’s position as a major global aviation gateway. The collaborative engagement with airlines and the strategic timing of the closure underscore a concerted effort to balance essential infrastructure upgrades with the imperative of maintaining efficient air traffic management.
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