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6d ago

Delhi Airport Delays Persist as Runway Closure and Easterly Winds Disrupt Operations

Runway upgrades are paused until May, while unseasonal wind patterns continue to reduce flight capacity and delay hundreds of flights daily.

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While the fourth runway is expected to open in the first week of May, easterly winds are forecast to prevail over Delhi till May 4. (Vipin Kumar/HT Photo)

Overview

  • Runway 10/28 at Delhi's IGI Airport has been closed since April 8 for instrument landing system upgrades, limiting operational capacity.
  • Unseasonal easterly winds, forecasted to persist through May 4, have reduced landing capacity from 42 to 32 flights per hour.
  • Over 400 departing flights were delayed on April 28, with average delays of 30 minutes, as the airport struggles to manage disruptions.
  • Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL) has suspended runway upgrade work, aiming to reopen the runway in early May to alleviate congestion.
  • The Civil Aviation Ministry is closely monitoring airport operations and has directed for better coordination and planning to prevent future disruptions.