Delhi Airport Runway Closure: Bumpy Ride Ahead for Flights and Upgrades
Airport runway renovation at Delhi causes disruption to 100 flights; 57 flights cancelled, 43 flights rearranged
Prepare for ‘Flight Turbulence’ as Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) preps for a shutdown of Runway 10/28 from June 15 to September 15, 2025. This extended break is all part of a plan to boost the airport's operation prowess during tricky, low-vision conditions.
Flight Disruptions
- Flight Cancellations Galore: The runway shutdown is predicted to nix up to 114 daily flights, translating to 57 departure flights canceled every day[2][3][4]. That's a whopping 100 flights daily when considering both takeoffs and landings.
- Scheduling Shenanigans: Adding to the chaos, approximately 43 flights will be shifted around in the schedules[4].
- AFFECTED FLIGHTS SERIOUSLY: Approximately 7% to 7.5% of the airport's regular flights will be hit by these cancellations and rescheduling[3][4]. Brace yourself, fellow travelers!
Improvements Afoot
- ILS Upgrade: The main goal of this hiatus is to elevate the Instrument Landing System to the higher tiers of CAT III B compliance. This upgrade promises to supercharge the airport's capabilities to fly safely even when the visibility is close to minimal, particularly during the frosty winter months[1][3].
- Runway Lighting Update: To strengthen operations under harsh weather, the runway lighting will be beefed up by extending the illuminated stretch from 650 meters to 900 meters. This enhancement will no doubt add another layer of safety for takeoffs and landings during inclement weather[1].
Putting It All Together
Although these upgrades are essential for improving safety and efficiency during winters, the runway closure will cause quite a stir in the peak summer and monsoon seasons. Airlines and travelers alike will surely feel the pinch. However, all eyes are on minimizing the impact by fine-tuning flight schedules and ensuring timely completion of these crucial improvements.
Sources:
[1] PTI. (n.d.). Delhi airport announces closure of one runway for three months from June, cites upgrades to enhance fog operations; flights affected. The Statesman. https://www.thestatesman.com/business/delhi-airport-announces-closure-of-one-runway-for-three-months-from-june-cites-upgrades-to-enhance-fog-operations-flights-affected-1502984737.html
[2] IANS. (n.d.). Delhi Airport to shut a runway for 3 months, 114 daily flights to be hit. NDTV. https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/delhi-airport-may-shut-a-runway-for-three-months-114-daily-flights-to-be-hit-3522562
[3] IANS. (n.d.). Delhi airport to upgrade runway lighting, ILS for 3 months: '7% of daily flights affected'. Hindustan Times. https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/delhi-airport-to-upgrade-runway-lighting-ils-for-3-months-7-of-daily-flights-affected-101679746382017.html
[4] Press Trust of India. (n.d.). Delhi Airport may close a runway next month; 114 daily flights to be hit. The New Indian Express. https://www.newindianexpress.com/business/2023/may/28/delhi-airport-may-close-a-runway-next-month-114-daily-flights-to-be-hit-2745029.html
The extended runway closure at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) might lead to widespread news in the aviation sector, with up to 114 daily flights affected, disrupting the lifestyle of numerous travelers. On the positive side, the travel industry eagerly anticipates the upgrades to the airport's Instrument Landing System (ILS) to achieve CAT III B compliance, aiming to enhance safety and lifestyle experiences during challenging weather conditions.
