TTU: From June 15 to September 15, 2025, one of the major runways at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) will remain closed. This will lead to flights cancelled every day and changes in many schedules.
Why Are Flights Cancelled at Delhi Airport?
The runway being closed is Runway 10/28. Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) is upgrading this runway. The reason is to prepare the airport for low visibility conditions during the winter fog season.
The CEO of DIAL, Vidheh Kumar Jaipuriar, has shared the reason for the closure. The runway will get a better Instrument Landing System (ILS). DIAL will also add CAT-3B systems on both ends of the runway. These changes will help flights land and take off safely even when visibility is low.
How Many Flights Cancelled Daily?
About 114 flights will be cancelled every day. Also, the timing of 43 other flights will be changed. Passengers may face inconvenience during this time.
The impact will be on about 7% of the total flight capacity at the airport. Out of the cancelled flights, 57 will be departures. The rest will be arrivals.
Some flights will be rescheduled. According to DIAL, they have tried to limit the impact. Cancellations are mostly in sectors that have multiple flight options. This way, passengers can still find alternative flights.
DIAL has already published a new schedule. Passengers can check it and plan their journey.
Flights Cancelled: What Should Passengers Do?
Passengers are advised to check their flight status in advance. Airlines will share updates with passengers. Travelers should also check the official website of Delhi Airport at www.newdelhiairport.in for flight updates.
It is better to reach the airport early. This will help avoid any last-minute rush or confusion.
Previous Runway Closure Faced Problems
In April 2025, a similar attempt to close the runway failed. That time, the closure caused major delays and chaos. The government had to reopen the runway in May 2025 after the intervention of Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu.
This time, DIAL says it has better planning. The goal is to keep trouble to a minimum.
Long-Term Benefits
While many flights cancelled during this period may cause temporary issues, the benefits will come later. Once the upgrade is complete, Delhi Airport will handle winter fog better.
There will be fewer delays and cancellations in the coming fog season. The airport will become safer and more reliable in extreme weather.
DIAL has said this step is important to meet growing air traffic and safety needs.
