Delhi airport may see flight delays for 4 month as one runway is closed

NEW DELHI: Passengers flying in and out of the Delhi airport may witness flight delays over the next four months as the airport's main runway (28/10) has been shut down for instrument landing system upgrade (ILS) on one end. This has been done to cater to CAT III operations in the coming winter season in order to enhance handling capacity.

Flight delays will be more when wind direction (easterlies) leads to aircraft landing from Dwarka side and taking off towards Vasant Vihar — instead of the other way round when westerlies are blowing.

Runway 28/10 was closed on Tuesday (April 8). Now when easterlies blow as has been the case since Tuesday, departures can happen from two runways (09 and 11 left or 11L) and arrival only on one (11 right or 11R) because of the orientation of the runways.

"On the other hand when westerlies blow — which is the case mostly — runway 27 can be used in mixed mode to handle both arrivals and departures while runway 29L and 29R are used for only arrivals and departures, respectively," said people in the know, adding, "Easterly winds are a temporary phenomenon in this time of the year, likely to change as per Met department in a day or two."

A flight getting delayed at the airport will mean consequential delays on all the other sectors that particular aircraft has to operate that day. And being India's busiest airport, the number could be significant.

Airlines have accordingly started warning passengers. "Runway upgradation work is currently underway at IGIA and is expected to continue until July. During this period, flight schedules may get impacted and we advise all customers to closely monitor their flight status on our website or app before heading to the airport:" IndiGo said on X on Wednesday.

The Delhi airport operator said on X that it "is currently undergoing essential runway upgrades, reflecting our long term commitment to enhancing airport infrastructure and improving travel experiences. We are working closely with all stakeholders to minimise any potential impact on flight operations. Passengers are advised to check with their respective airlines for latest flight updates. We regret any inconvenience caused and thank you for your understanding and support."

Runway 28/10 is expected to remain closed till July-end. "The end of runway 28 on Dwarka side did not have CAT III B. The ILS is being upgraded and then both ends of runway 28 will allow landings during low visibility," Delhi International Airport Ltd CEO Videh Kumar Jaipuriar had said this in Feb.