New Delhi: Runway 11R/29L (commonly known as the third runway), which was initially scheduled to be closed for upgrades from Feb 16, will now be shut from next week. Airport officials said the closure of the third runway has been delayed as approval is still pending with other agencies.After the runway is closed for upgrades, it is likely to be recommissioned in July. “The runway is likely to be shut in the coming week,” said officials. The closure of the runway will coincide with the peak summer rush. The airport operator stated that the closure of the runway will have no significant impact on flight operations. An airport official said, on average, 1,520 flights, including arrivals and departures, operate daily. However, Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) whic operates IGI airport had earlier stated that the airport’s scheduled movement capacity will be maintained at 1,514 movements per day during the closure period.Delhi airport operates with four runways: 27/9, 28/10, 29R/11L, and 11R/29L. When runway 28/10 was closed in 2025, around 200 flights were impacted daily.“DIAL, in coordination with the Airports Authority of India and other stakeholders, convened multiple high-level consultations to assess and mitigate the impact of closure. Following this, it has been decided that the airport’s scheduled movement capacity will be maintained at 1,514 movements per day. Also, airlines and air traffic control have been fully briefed and operational plans are in place to ensure smooth continuity of services,” DIAL said earlier. The upgradation work includes resurfacing of the runway, construction of a new rapid exit taxiway and installation of a new instrument landing system. “The third runway—commissioned in 2008 and in continuous service for 17 years—will undergo essential strengthening and upgrade works aimed at enhancing safety, operational resilience and capacity for future growth,” said the airport official.
