Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) is gearing up to commence operations on its fourth runway starting from July 13.
This new runway, called ‘Runway 29 Right and 11 Left’ (29R/11L), will initially be used exclusively for departures.
With the addition of this fourth runway, Delhi airport will become the sole airport in India equipped with four operational runways, aligning itself with international standards.
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has diligently trained its Air Traffic Controllers (ATCs) to efficiently manage operations on the new runway.
“Airports Authority of India (AAI) is fully prepared as the Air Navigation Service Provider (ANSP) to offer skilled ATC personnel,” stated a Delhi ATC official, as reported by ANI.
Presently, Delhi Airport operates on a three-runway system, known as the northern runway and the southern runway, designated as 27–28 North and 29 South.
The opening of Runway 29R, along with an associated taxiway, is scheduled for July 13, 2023.
However, it’s important to note that runway 29R will solely be utilized for departures and will not be available for landing.
As per the Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP), “The introduction of Runway 29R with associated and other taxiways and the re-designation of existing taxiways at LGLA… effective July 13, 2023.
Runway 11V29R will not be usable for landing and will exclusively be utilized for departures.”
According to data from Delhi ATC, the introduction of the fourth runway will significantly augment the number of flights, surpassing 100 flights per hour.
Currently, Delhi ATC handles approximately 86 flights per hour.
The temporary suspension of GoFirst airline operations and reduced flight activities during peak hours have impacted the overall number of flights.
In order to carry out necessary maintenance work, Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) has devised a plan to temporarily close the main runway along with the other two runways.
