Archive · 19 Nov 2025
AAI Speeds Up ATC System Upgrade After IGI Glitch
A big problem with the old flight message system at Delhi's main airport caused lots of flight delays and cancellations.
Now, the people in charge are hurrying to switch to a newer, better system to prevent this from happening again.
A technical glitch at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) led to massive flight disruptions on November 6
Over 800 flights were delayed or cancelled, affecting airports as far as Mumbai
The Airport Authority of India (AAI) is fast-tracking the operationalisation of a new Air Traffic Control (ATC) messaging system
The new system, Aeronautical Message Handling System (AMHS), will replace the older Automatic Message Switching System (AMSS)
AMHS offers advanced features like digital information transmission, higher functionality, and improved reliability
- Who
- Airport Authority of India (AAI)
- What
- Fast-tracking the operationalisation of a new ATC messaging system
- When
- After the November 6 glitch, with the new system expected by January
- Where
- Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi
- Why
- To prevent future disruptions and improve flight management
Proponents of the upgrade
Critics of the delay
System Reliability
Proponents of the upgrade
AMHS offers higher transmission reliability and advanced features
Critics of the delay
AMSS is also robust, but upgrades are necessary
- Old System
- Automatic Message Switching System (AMSS)
- New System
- Aeronautical Message Handling System (AMHS)
- Expected Completion
- January 2023
- Affected Flights
- Over 800 delays and cancellations
