Delhi Airport’s third runway to go in for comprehensive rehabilitation

The national capital’s IGI Airport on Monday said that it plans to initiate a comprehensive rehabilitation programme for runway 11R/29L, commonly referred to as the third runway, subject to regulatory approvals.

According to Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), which manages and operates IGI Airport, the programme includes resurfacing of the runway, construction of a new rapid exit taxiway, and installation of a new instrument landing system.

The runway, which was commissioned in 2008 and has been in continuous operation for 17 years, will undergo strengthening and upgrade works. 

As per DIAL, the runway has been subject to routine maintenance since its commissioning, including a minor rehabilitation carried out in 2017. 

However, increased traffic levels, higher operational intensity and natural ageing have necessitated a comprehensive rehabilitation at this stage.

Accordingly, the rehabilitation work is scheduled to commence from February 16, 2026, following the receipt of requisite regulatory approvals. 

The runway is expected to be recommissioned in early July, subject to approval from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation.

In addition, DIAL stated that it has held multiple high-level consultations with the Airports Authority of India and other stakeholders to assess and mitigate the impact of the runway closure. 

Following these discussions, it has been decided that the airport’s scheduled movement capacity will be maintained at 1,514 movements per day. 

Besides this, airlines and Air Traffic Control have been fully briefed, said DIAL, adding that operational plans have been put in place to ensure continuity of services.

Published on January 19, 2026