New Delhi: Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport will reopen its third runway, Runway 11R/29L, for operations from September 20 after a seven-month rehabilitation programme, Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) said on Saturday.
The runway was closed for rehabilitation in February 2026, with the project focused on improving safety, efficiency, resilience and long-term operational capacity.
The rehabilitation included resurfacing of the runway, permanent threshold displacement of Runway 29L, construction of a new Rapid Exit Taxiway (RET Z1), upgrades to airfield ground lighting, pavement strengthening and improvements to associated civil and electrical infrastructure.
DIAL said the upgraded runway underwent all required inspections, validations and regulatory clearances before being approved for operations.
The work was carried out in coordination with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Airports Authority of India (AAI), Air Traffic Control (ATC), airlines and other stakeholders.
The improvements are expected to optimize aircraft movement, reduce runway occupancy time and improve operational reliability during varying weather conditions.
DIAL CEO Pradeep Panicker said the recommissioning marked an important milestone in Delhi Airport’s development of future-ready aviation infrastructure.
He said the upgraded runway, along with the new taxiway, lighting and navigation systems, would strengthen airport capacity and resilience while supporting the country’s growing aviation needs.
