Delhi Airport will cancel 114 daily flights between June 15 and September 15 as it begins major runway upgrade work, according to Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) CEO Videh Kumar Jaipuriar.
Why the Upgrade?
The airport is upgrading Runway RW 10/28 to improve the Instrument Landing System (ILS) to CAT III-B standards, which helps aircraft land safely in low-visibility conditions, like those caused by dense winter fog.
This upgrade is vital to keep flight schedules running smoothly during the fog-heavy winter season.
Impact on Flights and Passengers
1,450 flights operate daily at Delhi Airport.
During the upgrade:
114 flights per day will be cancelled
86 flights per day will be rescheduled
The runway will reopen by mid-September
The ILS upgrade will be finished by November 27, just before winter
Although passengers may face short-term inconvenience, the airport assures that these improvements will lead to better operations in the long run, especially during winter delays caused by fog.
Reduction in Arrival Capacity
The runway closure will reduce arrival capacity from 42 flights per hour to 32, affecting key routes such as Mumbai and Patna.
The upgrade is scheduled during a typically low travel season to avoid problems during busy festive times.
Better Preparedness This Time
Earlier efforts in April to begin the upgrade were stopped due to unexpected weather and poor coordination with airlines.
This led to passenger issues and required intervention from the Ministry of Civil Aviation. Learning from that, DIAL has now created a detailed plan in coordination with:
Airlines
DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation)
Air Traffic Control
Ministry of Civil Aviation
A new slot plan has been made to avoid delays and ensure smoother operations during the closure.
Focus on Winter Efficiency and Climate Planning
The CAT III-B upgrade is a major improvement, allowing aircraft to land in extremely low visibility. This will reduce winter delays and improve safety and efficiency.
Additionally, a climate mitigation plan is being developed to prepare for extreme weather conditions, with a full report expected by the end of the year.
