Delhi airport’s main runway to be closed for recarpeting for 75 days Breakthrough

Delhi Airport’s old main runway will be recarpeted for 75 days, while the newly commissioned runway (29R-11L) is set to be ready for both landings and take-offs by the end of this month. Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA), one of the busiest aviation hubs in India, is set to close its primary runway for a period of 75 days starting soon. The main runway, known for handling a significant portion of the airport’s daily air traffic, will undergo extensive recarpeting and maintenance work aimed at improving its safety, efficiency, and longevity. This temporary shutdown is part of a planned infrastructure upgrade to ensure IGIA continues to meet international aviation standards.

Reason for Recarpeting

Runways are subjected to extreme wear and tear due to constant landings and take-offs of heavy aircraft. Over time, friction levels decrease, surface cracks appear, and structural integrity weakens. (Indian Airports)

• Enhance safety by restoring optimal friction for braking.
• Support modern aircraft that require stronger runway surfaces.
• Increase operational life of the runway by several years.

Impact on Flight Operations

During the closure, airlines operating at Delhi Airport will adjust schedules to accommodate reduced runway availability. Passengers may experience Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) is the busiest aviation hub in India, handling over 1,200 daily flights and millions of passengers annually. In a major infrastructure development, the airport’s primary runway will be closed for 75 days for comprehensive recarpeting and structural enhancement. This planned shutdown, though temporarily disruptive, is aimed at ensuring safety, operational efficiency, and compliance with international aviation standards.

• Slightly longer taxiing and holding times.
• Possible rescheduling of flights to off-peak hours.
• Increased usage of secondary runways to maintain traffic flow.

Operational Strategies During Closure

To handle the reduced capacity, the airport authority will implement several measures:

1. Optimized slot management to balance domestic and international flights.
2. Priority scheduling for high-capacity, long-haul flights.
3. Coordination with Air Traffic Control (ATC) to ensure safe, smooth operations.
4. Use of technology such as real-time runway allocation systems.

Infrastructure Benefits Post-Completion

Once the recarpeting work is completed, passengers and airlines can expect:

• Smoother landings and reduced aircraft wear and tear.
• Enhanced safety margins for wet and low-visibility conditions.
• Higher capacity handling, potentially allowing more flights during peak hours.
• Improved efficiency in aircraft movement, reducing delays.

Comparisons with Past Runway Upgrades

This is not the first time a major runway at IGIA has undergone recarpeting. Similar projects in previous years have shown measurable improvements in operational performance. Internationally, airports like Heathrow (London) and Changi (Singapore) regularly schedule runway maintenance to maintain operational excellence. This proactive approach ensures minimal emergency repairs and keeps passenger experience seamless. Runway recarpeting involves the use of modern materials that reduce environmental impact. The current project will use eco-friendly asphalt mixes and energy-efficient machinery, aligning with IGIA’s commitment to sustainability. Waste from the old surface will be recycled wherever possible. (International Civil Aviation)

Passenger Advisory and Travel Tips

• Check flight status regularly through airline websites or mobile apps.
• Arrive early to account for possible delays in check-in and boarding.
• Consider alternative routes or connecting flights if travelling during peak hours.
• Stay updated via official airport announcements and media updates.