Delhi Airport to close third runway for upgradation and rehabilitation work from Feb 16

Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL) on Tuesday (January 20) announced a comprehensive rehabilitation programme for Runway 11R/29L, commonly referred to as the third runway at Indira Gandhi International Airport, subject to regulatory approvals. The rehabilitation work is scheduled to commence from February 16, 2026, and the runway is expected to be recommissioned in early July, subject to approval from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

The programme includes resurfacing of the runway, construction of a new Rapid Exit Taxiway, and installation of a new Instrument Landing System (ILS). The runway, which was commissioned in 2008 and has been in continuous operation for 17 years, will undergo strengthening and upgrade works to support safety, operational resilience, and future capacity requirements.

While the runway has undergone regular maintenance, including minor rehabilitation in 2017, DIAL said increased traffic, operational intensity, and natural ageing have made comprehensive rehabilitation essential at this stage. DIAL stated that it has held multiple high-level consultations with the Airports Authority of India (AAI), airlines, and other stakeholders to assess and mitigate the impact of the temporary closure.

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Following these discussions, it has been decided that the airport’s scheduled movement capacity will be maintained at 1,514 movements per day during the rehabilitation period. Airlines and Air Traffic Control have been fully briefed, and operational plans have been finalised to ensure continuity of services.

The planned scope of work includes milling and resurfacing of flexible runway and taxiway sections, laying of Dense Bituminous Macadam and Bituminous Concrete, removal and reinstallation of around 2,000 airfield ground lighting fixtures, and basic strip works across 500,000 square metres. The project also involves rigid pavement upgrades across 39,000 metres, new pavement markings, widening of Runway End Safety Area drains, and replacement of windsock cabling and electrical systems.

A key component of the project is the construction of a new Rapid Exit Taxiway, Z1, which will connect Runway 11R/29L to the existing Zulu taxiway. The new taxiway is expected to enable faster aircraft exits and optimise runway occupancy time, particularly during peak hours.

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The rehabilitation plan also covers the readiness and installation of a new Instrument Landing System, followed by calibration, validation, and operationalisation in line with the AIRAC cycle, to support safe aircraft operations, including during low-visibility conditions.

Videh Kumar Jaipuriar, CEO of DIAL, said, “The rehabilitation of Runway 11R/29L is a crucial infrastructure project to ensure long-term operational safety, efficiency, and compliance with global aviation standards.

We are committed to delivering the project on time, with minimal disruption to airport operations, and with full coordination with AAI, DGCA, airlines, and all stakeholders. The project reflects DIAL’s commitment to continuous improvement, operational excellence, and preparing IGI Airport to handle future aviation growth responsibly."

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