If you are thinking of taking a flight from Delhi after February, then this news is important for you. The third runway (11R/29L) of Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport will be closed for repairs and upgrades from 16 February 2026. This is the same runway which has been in continuous use for the last 17 years.
According to airport operator DIAL, the runway surface will be changed. New lighting will be installed. Modern instrument landing system will be installed so that planes can land safely even in bad weather. Along with this, a new rapid exit taxiway will be built so that the aircraft can vacate the runway quickly after landing and the delay is reduced.
There will be no major cut in the total flight capacity of Delhi Airport
According to DIAL, despite the closure of the third runway, there will be no major cut in the total flight capacity of Delhi Airport. Currently, the airport handles around 1,514 flight movements (landings + takeoffs) daily and plans to maintain the same level even during the runway closure. However, some effect may be seen during peak hours i.e. morning and evening rush. Air traffic control will have to shift traffic to the other two runways, which may cause slight delays in takeoff or landing of some flights.
Most flights will continue to operate, no major cancellations expected
Slot management can become more strict especially in case of bad weather or low visibility. What this means for passengers is that most flights will continue to operate and overall large-scale cancellations are not expected. But during peak times, a delay of 10-20 minutes or slot re-shuffling is possible. Airports and airlines are already working on schedule adjustments so that the impact is minimal and passengers face minimal inconvenience.
DIAL says that this work can be completed by July 2026 and the runway will be reopened after DGCA approval. According to the airport management, the upgrade is being done keeping in mind the increasing passenger traffic in the future so that the security and capacity of Delhi Airport can be further strengthened.
