Delhi Airport to cut 100 flights daily as Runway 28/10 closes for upgrade

Key Takeaways

• Delhi Airport will cancel or reschedule 100 daily flights from June 15 to mid-September 2025.
• Runway 28/10 closure upgrades the Instrument Landing System to CAT III B for safer low-visibility landings.
• Airlines and government coordinate to minimize disruptions and provide passenger rebooking or refunds.

Delhi Airport to Cancel Over 50 Flights Daily for Runway 28/10 Upgrade: What Travelers Need to Know

Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) will cancel or reschedule about 100 flights every day from June 15, 2025, through mid-September 2025. This major change is happening because Runway 28/10 will be closed for three months. The closure is needed to upgrade the Instrument Landing System (ILS) to CAT III B standards. This upgrade is very important for safe landings during Delhi’s winter fog, which often causes flight delays and cancellations.

The decision comes after a failed attempt in April 2025 to do similar work. That earlier effort led to chaos and was stopped after India’s Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu and a parliamentary committee stepped in. Now, officials are working closely with airlines and airport authorities to make sure this upgrade goes as smoothly as possible.

Let’s break down what this means for travelers, airlines, and everyone who depends on Delhi Airport.

Why Is Runway 28/10 Closing?

Runway 28/10 is one of the four main runways at Delhi Airport. It is especially important during certain wind conditions and when visibility is low, like during Delhi’s winter fog. The airport is upgrading the Instrument Landing System (ILS) on this runway to CAT III B standards.

What is the Instrument Landing System (ILS)?
The ILS is a set of radio signals and lights that help pilots land safely when they can’t see the runway clearly, such as during heavy fog or rain. The CAT III B upgrade will allow planes to land even when visibility is extremely poor—down to just 50 meters. This is crucial for Delhi, where winter fog often disrupts flights.

Why now?
Officials chose the summer months for this work because fewer people travel during this time. The airport’s load factor—the percentage of seats filled on flights—is about 70–75% in summer, compared to over 85% during the busy winter season. This means there is more room to move passengers to other flights and less chance of overcrowding.

How Many Flights Will Be Affected?

• About 100 flights per day will be affected:
  • 50 flights will be cancelled
  • 50 flights will be rescheduled
• Normal daily operations: About 1,300 flights (arrivals and departures combined)
• Closure dates: June 15, 2025, to mid-September 2025 (about three months)

The airport’s capacity will drop from 46 flights per hour to about 36 flights per hour, especially when the wind blows from the east. This means airlines have to cut or move flights to fit the new limits.

Who Is Involved and What Are They Doing?

Key Stakeholders:
– Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA): Led by Minister K. Rammohan Naidu, the ministry is making sure airlines and airport authorities work together to reduce problems for passengers.
– Airports Authority of India (AAI): Chaired by Vipin Kumar, AAI is helping to coordinate new flight schedules and manage airport operations.
– Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL): The company that runs the airport is sending out advisories to passengers and updating information on its website and social media.
– Major Airlines: Air India, IndiGo, Akasa Air, and SpiceJet are all working with the government to adjust their schedules and help passengers who are affected.

What are airlines doing?
– Airlines are moving flights from busy hours to less busy times.
– They are preparing to notify passengers about cancellations or changes.
– They will offer rebooking on other flights or full refunds for cancelled flights.

What is the government doing?
– The Ministry of Civil Aviation is reviewing new schedules from airlines.
– Officials are making sure airlines give passengers enough notice and options.
– The government is sharing updates through official channels.

What Should Passengers Do?

If you are flying from or to Delhi Airport during this period, here’s what you need to do:

1. Check Your Flight Status Regularly
– Airlines will update their schedules and may cancel or move your flight.
– Always check with your airline before heading to the airport.
– Use the official DIAL website or your airline’s app for real-time updates.

2. Rebooking and Refunds
– If your flight is cancelled, airlines must offer you a choice:
– Move to another flight at no extra cost
– Get a full refund
– If your flight is rescheduled, check if the new time works for you. If not, ask about other options.

3. Arrive Early
– With changes in schedules and possible longer security lines, it’s best to arrive at the airport earlier than usual.
– Give yourself extra time to avoid missing your flight.

4. Monitor Official Advisories
– Follow updates from DIAL, your airline, and the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
– Check the official DIAL website for the latest news.

Why Is This Upgrade Important?

Delhi’s winter fog is famous for causing travel headaches. In past years, hundreds of flights have been delayed or cancelled because pilots could not see the runway. The upgraded Instrument Landing System (ILS) on Runway 28/10 will help solve this problem.

What does CAT III B mean?
CAT III B is a very advanced level of the ILS. It lets planes land safely even when visibility is as low as 50 meters. This is much better than older systems, which need at least 200 meters of visibility. With CAT III B, Delhi Airport can keep running smoothly even in thick fog.

Long-term benefits:
– Fewer delays and cancellations during winter
– Safer landings in bad weather
– Better reputation for Delhi Airport as a reliable international hub

As reported by VisaVerge.com, aviation experts say this upgrade is necessary for Delhi to keep up with other major airports around the world. It will make travel safer and more predictable, especially during the difficult winter months.

What Happened Last Time?

In April 2025, airport officials tried to do similar maintenance on Runway 28/10. However, airlines did not cut enough flights from their schedules. This led to huge delays, long lines, and angry passengers. The chaos forced the Civil Aviation Minister to step in and stop the work.

This time, the government and airlines are working together more closely. Airlines must submit new schedules for approval, and passengers are getting more advance notice. The goal is to avoid the problems seen in April.

How Will This Affect Different Groups?

Passengers:
– Will face cancellations and changes to their travel plans
– Should get advance notice and options for rebooking or refunds
– Will benefit from improved safety and fewer winter disruptions in the future

Airlines:
– Must adjust schedules and manage customer service for affected passengers
– Need to balance fewer flights with keeping customers happy
– Will have more reliable operations after the upgrade

Airport Operators:
– Must handle new flight schedules and keep passengers informed
– Need to manage airport traffic with one less runway
– Will see smoother operations in the long run

Government:
– Is focused on long-term safety and reliability
– Wants to avoid the chaos of the last failed attempt
– Is making sure all parties work together

What Should You Expect in the Coming Weeks?

• Airlines will finalize and publish new schedules soon.
• Passengers should keep checking for updates and be ready for changes.
• More advisories and information will be shared by DIAL, airlines, and the Ministry of Civil Aviation.

If any new problems come up, officials may adjust the plan or extend the maintenance period. For now, the goal is to finish the upgrade by mid-September 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will all flights be affected?
A: No, only about 100 flights per day will be cancelled or rescheduled. Most flights will continue as planned, but it’s important to check your flight status.

Q: What if my flight is cancelled?
A: Your airline will offer you a new flight or a full refund. Contact your airline as soon as you get a cancellation notice.

Q: How can I get the latest information?
A: Check the Delhi International Airport official website and your airline’s website or app for updates.

Q: Will this happen again?
A: The upgrade is a one-time project. Once finished, it should reduce future disruptions, especially during winter fog.

Summary Table: Key Facts

Action Steps for Travelers

• Check your flight status before leaving for the airport.
• Contact your airline for rebooking or refund options if your flight is affected.
• Arrive early to allow for possible delays at the airport.
• Stay updated by following official advisories from DIAL, your airline, and the Ministry of Civil Aviation.

Official Resources

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, use these resources:
– Delhi International Airport official website
– Your airline’s customer service and website
– Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India

Looking Ahead: What Does This Mean for Delhi Airport?

The closure of Runway 28/10 and the upgrade of the Instrument Landing System are short-term challenges that will bring long-term benefits. By making these changes now, during a less busy travel season, Delhi Airport is preparing for a smoother, safer winter. Passengers may face some inconvenience this summer, but the improvements will help everyone in the future.

Industry experts agree that these upgrades are necessary for Delhi to remain a top international airport. The CAT III B ILS will allow more flights to land safely in poor weather, reducing delays and cancellations. This will make travel more reliable for everyone—passengers, airlines, and airport staff.

If you are planning to travel through Delhi Airport between June and September 2025, stay informed, be flexible, and know that these changes are being made to improve your travel experience in the long run.

Learn Today

Instrument Landing System (ILS) → A radio and light system that guides pilots for safe landings in poor visibility.
Runway 28/10 → A main runway at Delhi Airport used especially in certain wind and low-visibility conditions.
CAT III B → An advanced category of ILS allowing landings with visibility as low as 50 meters.
Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) → Indian government department overseeing aviation safety, operations, and regulations.
Airports Authority of India (AAI) → Government agency managing airport operations and air traffic control in India.

This Article in a Nutshell

Delhi Airport is closing Runway 28/10 for three months starting June 15, 2025, to upgrade its landing system. This upgrade will reduce flight delays caused by winter fog by allowing safer landings in low visibility. Expect cancellations, rescheduling, and increased passenger advisories during this critical improvement period.
— By VisaVerge.com