Archive · 19 Sep 2026
Delhi Airport Third Runway Reopens September 20 After Major Upgrade
Delhi Airport is bringing its third runway back into service on September 20, 2026.
The runway is called 11R/29L.
It was closed for major improvement work beginning in February 2026.
Workers resurfaced and strengthened the runway.
They also built a Rapid Exit Taxiway so planes can leave the runway more quickly.
New lighting and other airport systems were installed or improved.
The runway passed inspections and received the required approvals.
Officials expect the upgrades to help planes move more smoothly and allow the airport to handle future growth.
Runway 11R/29L, Delhi Airport’s third runway, is scheduled to resume operations on September 20, 2026.
Delhi International Airport Limited completed the runway’s rehabilitation programme, which began in February 2026.
The work included resurfacing, pavement strengthening, threshold displacement on runway 29L and a new Rapid Exit Taxiway.
Airfield lighting and associated civil and electrical infrastructure were also upgraded.
The changes are expected to improve aircraft movement, reduce runway occupancy time and support future traffic growth.
- Who
- Delhi International Airport Limited, which manages and operates Indira Gandhi International Airport, is recommissioning the runway.
- What
- Runway 11R/29L, Delhi Airport’s third runway, is returning to service after a comprehensive rehabilitation programme.
- When
- Operations are scheduled to resume on September 20, 2026, after work that began in February 2026.
- Where
- Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, India.
- Why
- The project was undertaken to improve operational safety, efficiency, resilience and long-term airport capacity.
- Runway
- Runway 11R/29L, commonly known as Delhi Airport’s third runway
- Reopening date
- September 20, 2026
- Project start
- February 2026
- Major works
- Resurfacing, pavement strengthening and permanent threshold displacement of runway 29L
- New facility
- Rapid Exit Taxiway RET Z1
- Other upgrades
- Airfield ground lighting and associated civil and electrical infrastructure
- Expected benefits
- Improved runway efficiency, smoother aircraft movement, reduced runway occupancy time and stronger operational reliability
Sources
Delhi airport gets its third runway operational; optimise aircraft movement
Delhi Airport third runway to reopen on September 20 after major upgrade: Check details
Delhi Int'l Airport to reopen third runway for operations from Sep 20
Delhi Airport’s third runway reopens Sept 20: What has changed on Runway 11R/29L
Delhi International Airport To Reopen Third Runway For Operations From September 20
Delhi airport to reopen third runway from Sept 20 after seven-month rehabilitation work - Telegraph India
