DELHI— Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) will return its third runway to service on September 20, almost seven months after Runway 11R/29L was closed for a major rehabilitation programme.
Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), the airport operator, said the runway has completed all inspections, validations and regulatory approvals required for its recommissioning.
The runway at Delhi will resume operations after extensive strengthening and infrastructure work designed to improve safety, aircraft movement and long-term operational efficiency.
DIAL operates the airport through a consortium led by GMR, in partnership with the Airports Authority of India (AAI).
Runway Rehabilitation Complete
The rehabilitation began in February 2026 after the runway had remained in continuous service for 17 years.
Although it received routine maintenance during that period, including minor rehabilitation in 2017, DIAL undertook the latest project to carry out more extensive structural and airside improvements.
The work included resurfacing the runway, strengthening pavement and permanently displacing the threshold of Runway 29L.
DIAL also constructed a new Rapid Exit Taxiway, designated RET Z1, which is designed to allow aircraft to leave the runway more quickly and reduce runway occupancy time.
Airfield ground lighting systems were upgraded as part of the project, while associated civil and electrical infrastructure also received improvements.
The airport operator said the upgraded runway is expected to improve operational reliability and aircraft movement, including during varying weather conditions.
Delhi Airport Capacity
Delhi Airport commissioned its third runway in 2008 and now operates four runways.
The airport currently handles more than 1,300 aircraft movements involving arrivals and departures, while its passenger-handling capacity stands at 106 million annually.
The reopening restores another major piece of airside infrastructure at one of India’s busiest aviation gateways.
Its return is expected to provide greater flexibility in managing aircraft movements as traffic continues to grow across the Delhi airport network.
The rehabilitation also involved coordination between DIAL, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), AAI, air traffic control, airlines and other stakeholders. Regulatory clearances followed inspections and operational validations of the completed works.
Third Runway Returns
DIAL said the upgraded runway will support higher operational efficiency by helping optimise aircraft movements and reduce the time aircraft spend occupying the runway.
The new rapid-exit taxiway and upgraded lighting and navigation-related infrastructure form key parts of that improvement.
The recommissioning also comes as Delhi Airport prepares for continued growth in passenger and flight volumes.
The airport’s current four-runway configuration includes 11R/29L, which measures 4,430 metres and is equipped for Category III instrument landing operations.
With the seven-month rehabilitation now complete, Runway 11R/29L will return to regular operations from September 20.
The reopening marks the completion of a major upgrade to one of Delhi Airport’s core operational assets while adding renewed capacity and resilience to its runway system.
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