Delhi Airport to Cancel 114 Flights Daily, In a major development set to impact air travel in and out of the national capital, Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL) has announced that it will cancel 114 flights daily for a period of three months, starting June 15 through September 15, 2025. The reason? A significant upgrade of Runway 10/28 a move aimed at boosting safety and operational efficiency during adverse weather conditions, especially the infamous Delhi fog season.
While the number may sound daunting, DIAL has clarified that these cancellations account for just 7.5% of the airport’s daily traffic, and the move has been strategically planned in consultation with airlines and key stakeholders to minimize passenger disruption.
Let’s break down what this runway closure means, why it’s necessary, and what travellers should be prepared for.
Why Runway 10/28 Is Being Closed for Three Months
Delhi Airport to Cancel 114 Flights Daily, The affected runway Runway 10/28 is one of the four runways at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA), India’s busiest airport. With around 1,450 flight movements daily, the IGIA is a critical hub for both domestic and international operations.
The planned upgrade for Runway 10/28 is focused on enhancing its capabilities by making it CAT III-compliant. This means that once the upgrade is completed, the runway will support Instrument Landing System (ILS) operations even in low-visibility conditions, such as heavy fog a common problem during North India’s winter season.
Earlier slated for May 2025, the upgrade was postponed due to severe congestion. Delhi Airport to Cancel 114 Flights Daily, The airport authorities decided to reschedule it for the monsoon months when passenger traffic is relatively lower, thereby reducing the inconvenience for travellers.
What Is CAT III Compliance and Why Does It Matter?
Delhi Airport to Cancel 114 Flights Daily, CAT III (Category III) refers to an advanced ILS capability that allows aircraft to land safely even in dense fog or low-visibility conditions. Without it, airports often face delays and cancellations during the winter months.
Currently, only two of the four runways at IGIA are CAT III compliant. The addition of a third upgraded runway will ensure that flight operations remain fluid and efficient during winter disruptions significantly reducing delays and improving passenger experience.
According to DIAL CEO Videh Kumar Jaipuriar, we want to upgrade that runway to mitigate any issues or problems that we were facing, especially during the fog season.
Impact on Flight Operations
DIAL has confirmed that the 114 cancelled flights per day were identified and adjusted after detailed discussions with airlines. Delhi Airport to Cancel 114 Flights Daily, The cancellations will be evenly distributed to prevent any single airline from bearing the brunt of operational disruptions.
Jaipuriar emphasized that passenger inconvenience will be minimal, as affected travellers are being informed well in advance. Moreover, the move aims to avoid unplanned chaos, such as what was witnessed during past winter fog seasons when poor coordination between stakeholders led to severe delays and passenger complaints.
Terminals and Runway Layout
The Delhi Airport currently operates with:
- Four runways: RW 09/27, RW 11R/29L, RW 11L/29R, and RW 10/28 (to be closed temporarily)
- Two terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 (T2 is shut for maintenance)
Even with one runway temporarily out of action, the remaining three will continue to handle traffic efficiently, thanks to DIAL’s proactive coordination and planning.
Enhancing Fog Recovery Time
Delhi Airport to Cancel 114 Flights Daily, One of the key goals of the runway upgrade is to ensure faster recovery times during fog-related disruptions.
Currently:
- During westerly runway operations, a one-hour disruption leads to a three-hour recovery.
- During easterly runway operations, the same one-hour disruption takes up to six hours to recover.
With Runway 10/28 becoming CAT III compliant, Delhi Airport will be equipped with three runways capable of handling low-visibility operations, ensuring uniform recovery time regardless of wind direction. This will significantly ease congestion and help airlines maintain more reliable schedules, especially during the high-stress winter months.
Passenger Advisory
If you’re planning to travel through Delhi Airport between June 15 and September 15, 2025, here are some tips to stay ahead of disruptions:
- Check Your Flight Status: Regularly monitor your airline’s website or app for updates about your flight. You may receive notifications regarding rescheduling or cancellations.
- Book Flexibly: If possible, choose refundable tickets or flexible dates, especially if your itinerary involves tight connections or important events.
- Arrive Early: While the airport is taking measures to avoid congestion, it’s always wise to arrive earlier than usual to avoid any last-minute surprises.
- Use Terminal Shuttle Services: With T2 closed, ensure you know which terminal you’re flying from and use official airport transportation for smoother transfers.
Airlines and Authorities Speak
Delhi Airport to Cancel 114 Flights Daily, Airlines have appreciated DIAL coordinated approach in minimizing the fallout from this necessary upgrade. Unlike earlier instances where abrupt changes led to widespread frustration, this time, DIAL has prioritized clear communication.
Delhi Airport to Cancel 114 Flights Daily This kind of foresight and collaboration between airport operators and airlines is the way forward, said a senior airline official. Everyone knows winter fog will come it’s about being ready for it before it happens.
In Summary
Delhi Airport to Cancel 114 Flights Daily, The three-month upgrade of Runway 10/28 at Delhi’s IGI Airport may sound like a disruption at first glance, but it is a long-term investment into better infrastructure, safety, and passenger convenience. The temporary cancellation of 114 flights per day is a strategic decision to create a fog-ready airport that operates smoothly even under challenging weather conditions.
While some travellers may face minor inconvenience, the greater good more reliable flights, shorter delays, and enhanced safety makes this an essential move in Delhi Airport’s continued evolution as a world-class aviation hub.
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