Archive · 17 Jan 2026
Delhi Airport to Close Third Runway for Upgrades
The Delhi Airport is going to close its third runway for four months starting in mid-February 2026.
This is to make some important improvements, like fixing the landing system, resurfacing the runway, improving the drainage, and adding a new exit path for planes.
The airport is very busy, with over 1,500 flights every day, so this closure might cause some delays, especially during the summer.
The airport and the government are working together to make sure the upgrades are done quickly and with as little trouble for passengers as possible.
The runway is expected to reopen in June 2026, just before the monsoon season.
Delhi Airport will close its third runway (11R/29L) for four months starting mid-February 2026 for infrastructure upgrades.
The upgrades include improving the Instrument Landing System (ILS), resurfacing the runway, upgrading the drainage system, and adding a new rapid exit taxiway (RET).
The closure is planned to be completed before the monsoon season but may coincide with the summer rush, potentially causing delays and disruptions.
The decision was made in coordination with the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Air Traffic Control, airlines, and other relevant agencies.
The airport handles over 1,500 flights daily, and efforts are being made to minimize disruptions and inconvenience to passengers.
- Who
- Delhi Airport authorities, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Air Traffic Control, airlines, and other relevant agencies
- What
- Closure of the third runway for infrastructure upgrades
- When
- Starting mid-February 2026 for four months
- Where
- Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA), Delhi
- Why
- To upgrade the runway infrastructure, including ILS, resurfacing, drainage system, and adding a new rapid exit taxiway (RET)
- Runway
- 11R/29L
- Closure Duration
- Four months
- Closure Start Date
- Mid-February 2026
- Expected Reopening
- June 2026
- Airport
- Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA)
- Daily Flights
- More than 1,500
- Upgrades
- Instrument Landing System (ILS), resurfacing, drainage system, rapid exit taxiway (RET)