Delhi Airport to reopen third runway on September 20

Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), a GMR Aero-led consortium that manages and operates Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI Airport), announced on Saturday that Runway 11R/29L, also known as the third runway, will become operational from September 20, 2026, following the completion of its rehabilitation programme and receipt of all required regulatory approvals.

The rehabilitation project, which began in February 2026, involved extensive strengthening and upgrade work to improve operational safety, efficiency, resilience and long-term capacity at one of India’s busiest aviation gateways. The upgraded runway is now ready for operations following all required inspections, validations and regulatory clearances.

As part of the rehabilitation programme, DIAL completed several major airside infrastructure upgrades, including runway resurfacing, permanent threshold displacement on Runway 29L, construction of a new Rapid Exit Taxiway (RET Z1), upgrades to airfield ground lighting systems, pavement strengthening and related civil and electrical infrastructure improvements.

These enhancements are expected to improve runway efficiency, optimise aircraft movement, reduce runway occupancy times and strengthen operational reliability in varying weather conditions.

DIAL worked closely with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Airports Authority of India (AAI), Air Traffic Control (ATC), airlines and other stakeholders throughout the project to ensure compliance with all safety, operational and regulatory requirements, ANI reported.

Following the successful completion of the required procedures, approvals have been received to resume runway operations from September 20.

Speaking on the occasion, DIAL CEO Pradeep Panicker said, “The recommissioning of Runway 11R/29L marks an important milestone in Delhi Airport’s efforts to build future-ready aviation infrastructure. The successful completion of this complex rehabilitation programme reflects our commitment to safety, operational excellence and passenger service.”

“The upgraded runway, along with the new Rapid Exit Taxiway and enhanced navigation and lighting systems, will further strengthen Delhi Airport’s capacity and resilience while supporting the growing aviation needs of the country,” he added.