Disha Shah Ghosh - Mumbai Delhi Airport’s primary airstrip, runway 28/10, originally slated to resume operations on January 19 following scheduled re-carpeting, is now expected to remain closed for at least an additional week. An official statement cites unforeseen technical issues hindering the timely completion of system integration at the runway.
The 3,813-meter-long and 45-meter-wide CAT III compliant runway has been undergoing re-carpeting since mid-September 2023. Despite successful completion of construction and refurbishment, the runway’s reopening has been delayed, with a new timeline of 8 to 10 days.
Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) is collaborating with Honeywell to expedite the remaining processes.
The delay was communicated to the Civil Aviation Ministry, with the airport attributing the setback to the G20 Summit and the imposition of GRAP-IV anti-pollution measures in Delhi, which pushed the refurbishment project after the summit.
In related developments, Delhi Airport reports that its newly constructed fourth runway is set to achieve CAT III compliance on January 26, joining runways 28/10 and 29L/11R. The fourth compliant runway aims to enhance the airport’s operational capacity.
The recent runway closure adds to the challenges faced by the airport due to severe fog in North India, causing disruptions and delays. The airport has been working to improve its infrastructure and comply with international standards to handle increased passenger and airside capacities.
