New Delhi, May 14 - Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA), the busiest aviation hub in India, is set to undergo a significant operational change with the planned closure of its primary runway, 28/10, for 90 days starting June 15, 2025. This closure is part of an ongoing effort to upgrade the runway’s Instrument Landing System (ILS) to CAT III-B standards, a critical enhancement aimed at improving flight operations during low-visibility conditions, particularly during Delhi’s fog-heavy winter months. The runway, a cornerstone of the airport’s infrastructure, handles a substantial portion of the approximately 1,300 daily flight movements, and its temporary shutdown is expected to impact air traffic capacity, potentially leading to delays and schedule adjustments.
.gif)
The upgrade focuses on equipping both ends of runway 28/10—located on the Vasant Vihar and Dwarka sides—with CAT III-B capabilities, enabling aircraft to land safely in dense fog with visibility as low as 50 meters. This follows a partial closure earlier in 2025, from April 8 to early May, when maintenance work began but was paused due to unforeseen challenges, including unseasonal easterly winds that reduced the airport’s operational capacity. During that period, the airport operated with three of its four runways, limiting arrivals to 31-32 aircraft per hour compared to the usual 45, which caused widespread delays. The decision to resume operations in May and defer the remaining upgrades to June was made to alleviate congestion during the peak summer travel season.
The upcoming 90-day closure, spanning mid-June to mid-September 2025, aligns with a period when wind patterns are expected to shift to westerly, potentially easing the strain on the airport’s remaining runways: 09/27, 11R/29L, and 11L/29R. Runway 09/27, the oldest and shortest, lacks CAT III capabilities, while 11R/29L and 11L/29R are equipped for low-visibility operations, though their effectiveness depends on wind direction. The Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), which operates IGIA, has emphasized collaboration with airlines, the Airports Authority of India (AAI), and other stakeholders to minimize disruptions. Measures include encouraging airlines to adjust schedules, potentially moving flights to off-peak hours or canceling non-essential services, to maintain smoother operations.
This closure follows a history of maintenance on runway 28/10, including a 75-day recarpeting in 2023, which did not significantly disrupt operations due to the availability of the newly commissioned runway 29R/11L. However, the current ILS upgrade is more complex, involving both the runway lighting system and navigational aids, which are critical for safety and efficiency. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) will conduct thorough inspections before the runway reopens in September, ensuring compliance with stringent safety standards. DIAL has urged passengers to monitor flight statuses and allow extra time for travel, acknowledging the potential for delays despite proactive planning. The upgrade is a strategic move to bolster IGIA’s resilience against weather-related disruptions, reinforcing its position as a leading global aviation hub. By September 2025, when the fully upgraded runway 28/10 resumes operations, the airport is expected to offer enhanced reliability, particularly during the winter fog season, benefiting millions of travelers.