One of the two runways at Delhi's airport is being repaired (File)
Flight operations at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport faced delays today after the authorities shut one runway for repairs.
Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) blamed "limited action/non-action" by airlines for adjusting flight schedules during the planning stage in the last four months for the runway repairs.
Multiple airlines' take-offs and landings were delayed because the airport used three of the four runways, as repairs were happening on the fourth one.
Passenger Advisory issued at 2234Hrs#DelhiAirport #PassengerAdvisory pic.twitter.com/Zf9Y3kBi81
— Delhi Airport (@DelhiAirport) April 20, 2025
An unexpected shift in wind direction also aggravated the issue.
The average landing delay into Delhi was 53 minutes, while the average take-off delay was 40 minutes.
"... The Airlines had agreed to reschedule or cancel flights at short notice in interest of passenger safety and convenience. This scenario was part of the planning done with all stakeholders over the last four months," DIAL said in a post on X.
"When these easterly wind situations have been arising in the past few days, including today, airlines have been advised, in accordance with pre-agreed plans, to adjust flight schedules. However, there were minimal to no changes made. Unfortunately, this limited action/non action has led to significant operational challenges for all the stakeholders including Delhi Airport and ATC and in the end impacted the passengers significantly," DIAL said.
to no changes made. Unfortunately this limited action/non action has led to significant operational challenges for all the stakeholders including Delhi Airport and ATC and in the end impacted the passengers significantly.
— Delhi Airport (@DelhiAirport) April 20, 2025
We are currently working with ATC and other (4/5)
It said they are working with the air traffic control (ATC) and stakeholders to reduce inconvenience passengers are experiencing.
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