Starting on June 15, 2025, Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) will temporarily close Runway 28/10 for 90 days to make necessary improvements that would enhance aeroplane operations in low visibility situations. As part of a strategic initiative, the runway's Instrument Landing System (ILS) is being updated to CAT III B standards, which will allow safe landings for flights even in severe fog—a regular issue during Delhi's winter months.
28/10 is of IGIA's four runways, which is crucial for handling the airport's high volume of aircraft. Therefore, the necessity to enhance its operational effectiveness and safety during inclement weather prompted the decision to upgrade its ILS to CAT III B. During foggy conditions, this improvement will drastically cut down on delays and cancellations by allowing aircraft to land with visibility as low as 50 meters. Due to significant delays in flight schedules, the initial attempt to start these upgrades in April 2025 had to be abandoned within four weeks, as the airport was unable to manage its average load of over 1,400 flights per day with only three runways in operation.
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Taking that experience into account, the authorities have now gone ahead with the rescheduled closure to mid-June, a period of relatively low air traffic, to lessen the inconvenience to passengers.
Ahead of the runway shutdown, Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu held a high-level meeting with the who's who of Indian aviation—think top brass from all domestic airlines, the AAI, DGCA, and DIAL. The mission? Avoid a sequel to the scheduling chaos of the last upgrade attempt. Airlines have been directed to come armed to prepare flight cancellations ahead of time and suggest ways to lessen the impact on customers. The idea is to turn turbulence into a smooth landing this time around—with teamwork leading the charge.
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Runway 28/10 will undergo a significant technological update to fulfil CAT III B standards. Modern Instrument Landing System (ILS) technology will be installed together with a lighting system that is extended from 650 to 900 meters. These improvements will make the airport more effective and weather-resilient overall, and they are mission-critical for maintaining flight schedules during periods of low visibility, particularly during Delhi's foggy winters.
Passenger advisoryIt is recommended that travellers who want to pass via Delhi during the closure period enquire about possible schedule changes with their individual airlines. Travel delays can be minimised by making reservations in advance and keeping track of aircraft statuses. The authorities are dedicated to keeping the improvement project running smoothly and causing the least amount of disruption.
In an effort to improve IGIA's operational capabilities and safety standards, Runway 28/10 will remain temporarily closed. However, it will become CAT III B compliant, which will likely drastically cut down weather-related delays and other issues. The concerted efforts of aviation stakeholders and government agencies are to ensure that a proactive approach is in place for infrastructure development and superior passenger service.
28/10 is of IGIA's four runways, which is crucial for handling the airport's high volume of aircraft. Therefore, the necessity to enhance its operational effectiveness and safety during inclement weather prompted the decision to upgrade its ILS to CAT III B. During foggy conditions, this improvement will drastically cut down on delays and cancellations by allowing aircraft to land with visibility as low as 50 meters. Due to significant delays in flight schedules, the initial attempt to start these upgrades in April 2025 had to be abandoned within four weeks, as the airport was unable to manage its average load of over 1,400 flights per day with only three runways in operation.
Read more: 8 offbeat national parks in India that deserve your weekend
Taking that experience into account, the authorities have now gone ahead with the rescheduled closure to mid-June, a period of relatively low air traffic, to lessen the inconvenience to passengers.
Ahead of the runway shutdown, Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu held a high-level meeting with the who's who of Indian aviation—think top brass from all domestic airlines, the AAI, DGCA, and DIAL. The mission? Avoid a sequel to the scheduling chaos of the last upgrade attempt. Airlines have been directed to come armed to prepare flight cancellations ahead of time and suggest ways to lessen the impact on customers. The idea is to turn turbulence into a smooth landing this time around—with teamwork leading the charge.
Read more: 5 states where every city feels like a different country
Runway 28/10 will undergo a significant technological update to fulfil CAT III B standards. Modern Instrument Landing System (ILS) technology will be installed together with a lighting system that is extended from 650 to 900 meters. These improvements will make the airport more effective and weather-resilient overall, and they are mission-critical for maintaining flight schedules during periods of low visibility, particularly during Delhi's foggy winters.
Passenger advisoryIt is recommended that travellers who want to pass via Delhi during the closure period enquire about possible schedule changes with their individual airlines. Travel delays can be minimised by making reservations in advance and keeping track of aircraft statuses. The authorities are dedicated to keeping the improvement project running smoothly and causing the least amount of disruption.
In an effort to improve IGIA's operational capabilities and safety standards, Runway 28/10 will remain temporarily closed. However, it will become CAT III B compliant, which will likely drastically cut down weather-related delays and other issues. The concerted efforts of aviation stakeholders and government agencies are to ensure that a proactive approach is in place for infrastructure development and superior passenger service.
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