Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport will close one of its runways for about three months starting February 26 for major rehabilitation works, according to a Notice of Air Tasking (NOTAM) issued by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) on Wednesday.
The NOTAM, which went into effect at 12 a.m. Thursday, said runway 29L/11R would remain closed to landings and takeoffs from 1830 UTC on February 25 (12 a.m. EDT on February 26) until 1830 UTC on May 25, 2026 (12 a.m. EDT on May 26).
“The lockdown may be extended if necessary,” an official familiar with the matter said.
The rehabilitation program will include repaving the runway, building a new express exit taxiway, and installing a new Instrument Landing System (ILS). In a statement in January, Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), which runs IGI Airport, said the runway – which was commissioned in 2008 – requires enhancement and modernization to enhance safety, operational resilience and future capacity.
While the runway underwent routine maintenance and minor rehabilitation in 2017, DIAL said rising air traffic, increasing operational intensity and natural aging made comprehensive repairs necessary. Work was initially scheduled to begin on February 16 but was postponed due to the AI Summit, which included VIP movements, including visiting heads of state.
During the closure, more than 15 lanes will also remain unavailable, according to NOTAM. Additional temporary measures have been issued to assist air traffic controllers in managing traffic safely.
Runway 09/27 will remain designated for VIP, state, defense and scheduled civil flights during this period, officials said.
