Delhi airport’s 3rd runway to shut for revamp: 5-month closure from Feb 16; peak summer rush ahead

NEW DELHI: The IGI airport runway 11R/29L, commonly known as the third runway, will be closed for upgrades from Feb 16 onwards and is likely to be recommissioned in early July after DGCA's approval, Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), a GMR Aero-led consortium that manages and airport, has said.

The closure of the runway will coincide with the peak summer rush. DIAL said it will have no major impact on flights. An airport official said, on average, 1,520 flights operate daily. DIAL has said after a multi-stakeholder meeting that the airport's scheduled movement capacity will be maintained at 1,514 movements per day during the closure period.


Delhi airport operates four runways: 27/9, 28/10, 29R/11L, and 11R/29L. When runway 28/10 was closed in 2025, around 200 flights were impacted daily.

"DIAL, in coordination with the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and other stakeholders, held multiple high-level consultations to assess and mitigate the impact of the closure. Following this, it has been decided that the airport's scheduled movement capacity will be maintained at 1,514 movements per day. Also, airlines and Air Traffic Control (ATC) have been fully briefed, and operational plans are in place to ensure smooth continuity of services," DIAL said.

Videh Kumar Jaipuriar, CEO-DIAL, said: "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." He added that the rehabilitation of Runway 11R/29L is a crucial project to ensure long-term operational safety, efficiency and compliance with global aviation standards.

The upgrade includes resurfacing of the runway, construction of a new Rapid Exit Taxiway, and installation of a new Instrument Landing System (ILS). "The third runway — commissioned in 2008 and in continuous service for 17 years — will undergo essential strengthening and upgrade aimed at enhancing safety, operational resilience, and capacity for future growth. For reference, the runway underwent regular maintenance since 2008, including minor rehabilitation in 2017. However, increased traffic, operational intensity, and natural ageing make comprehensive rehabilitation essential at this stage," said DIAL.

The work includes the removal and reinstallation of around 2,000 Airfield Ground Lighting (AGL) fixtures. These "refer to the comprehensive system of lights installed on an airport runway to provide pilots with crucial visual guidance for safe take-off, landing, and ground movement, especially in low visibility, defining the runway's edges, centreline, threshold, and touchdown zone with specific colours and intensities as per international standards, ensuring safe operations day and night," said DIAL.

A new Rapid Exit Taxiway (Z1) will be constructed, connecting Runway 11R/29L to the existing Zulu taxiway. This new taxiway will support faster aircraft exits and optimise runway occupancy time, particularly during peak operational hours.