India’s busiest airport, Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI), is set to undergo a significant infrastructure upgrade as its third runway (11R/29L) will be closed for renovation from February 16, 2026, for a period of nearly five months. The runway is expected to reopen in early July, subject to regulatory clearances.
The move is part of a long-term strategy to enhance safety, efficiency, and operational reliability at the airport, which handles over 1,400 flight movements daily and continues to see growing passenger traffic year after year.
Why Is the Runway Being Closed?
Airport officials have confirmed that the closure is aimed at carrying out a comprehensive rehabilitation and strengthening of the runway, which has been in service since 2008. With rising air traffic and constant wear and tear over nearly two decades, the runway now requires critical upgrades to support future aviation demands.
According to Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), the project is essential to ensure that the runway remains capable of handling new-generation aircraft and increased traffic volumes safely.
What Will Be Upgraded?
The renovation will involve several high-impact improvements, including:
●Complete resurfacing and strengthening of the runway surface
●Construction of a new Rapid Exit Taxiway, which will allow aircraft to vacate the runway faster, reducing congestion
●Installation of a new Instrument Landing System (ILS) to improve aircraft landing precision, especially in foggy and low-visibility conditions
●Replacement of around 2,000 runway lights, upgrading night-time and low-visibility operations
These upgrades are expected to significantly boost the airport’s safety standards and long-term operational efficiency.
Will Flights Be Affected?
Despite the shutdown coinciding with the peak summer travel season, airport authorities have assured that flight operations will remain largely unaffected.
Even with one runway closed, IGI Airport is expected to manage approximately 1,514 flight movements per day, which is close to its current operational capacity. The remaining runways will be optimally used, and airlines have already been informed to adjust schedules if needed.
DIAL officials emphasized that the shutdown has been planned carefully to avoid disruptions and that coordination with airlines and air traffic control is already underway.
A Crucial Step for Future Readiness
Aviation experts say this upgrade is a timely move, considering Delhi’s rising status as a major international aviation hub. With more international routes, expanding domestic traffic, and increasing aircraft movements, ensuring world-class runway infrastructure is critical.
“This is not just maintenance; it’s future-proofing India’s busiest airport,” an airport official noted, adding that the rehabilitation will improve safety margins and support smoother operations for the next 15–20 years.
Looking Ahead
Once completed, the revamped runway will allow IGI Airport to handle higher traffic volumes more efficiently, reduce aircraft turnaround times, and improve resilience during adverse weather conditions.
For passengers, the upgrade promises a more reliable, safer, and smoother flying experience in the years to come — reinforcing Delhi’s position as one of Asia’s leading aviation gateways.
