Runway Upgrade and Wind Shift to Slow Delhi Airport Operations April 26–May 4
Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA), operated by Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), has issued an advisory warning passengers of potential flight delays and disruptions from April 26 to May 4, 2025. This period coincides with the temporary closure of Runway 28/10 for critical Instrument Landing System (ILS) upgrades and a forecasted shift in prevailing winds to easterly directions. Travellers are urged to monitor their flight status closely and maintain contact with their airlines for the latest updates.
Runway Closure and Upgrades
Runway 28/10 was taken out of service on April 8, 2025, to facilitate the installation of an enhanced ILS, a crucial system that guides aircraft to the runway during low-visibility conditions. Since the closure, IGIA has been operating with three active runways, placing additional pressure on the remaining infrastructure during one of the busiest travel seasons of the year. The upgrade is part of DIAL’s broader effort to modernize airport navigation systems and elevate overall safety standards.
Easterly Wind Forecast and Runway Utilization
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), a shift to easterly wind patterns is expected to prevail at the airport between April 26 and May 4, 2025. Under easterly conditions, aerodynamic safety protocols necessitate departures from Runways 09 and 11L and arrivals restricted to Runway 11R, reducing the airport’s operational flexibility. By contrast, the usual westerly winds permit mixed-mode operations on Runways 27, 29L, and 29R, allowing for simultaneous arrivals and departures. This constraint on runway options is a primary driver of the forecasted flight delays
Operational Impact and Performance Metrics
The combination of reduced runway availability and shifting wind patterns has translated into an average of approximately 240 delayed flights per day during this period. Despite these challenges, IGIA managed an on-time performance (OTP) of 83% as of April 24, demonstrating a concerted effort by airport authorities and airlines to minimize disruptions. However, passengers should be prepared for longer ground waits, potential re-routing of flights, and occasional diversions to nearby airports when capacity limits are reached.
Guidance for Travellers
DIAL’s public advisory, posted on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, recommends that passengers:
- Verify Schedules: Contact the operating airline 24–48 hours before departure for the most current flight timings.
- Plan for Delays: Allocate additional buffer time for check-in, security clearance, and potential gate changes.
- Monitor Weather Updates: Keep an eye on local weather forecasts, as sudden gusts or changes in wind speed could further impact runway assignments.
- Consider Alternate Flights: Where possible, travellers may explore booking on different airlines or adjusting travel dates outside the April 26–May 4 window.
Recovery and Future Plans
DIAL expects the upgraded Runway 28/10 to resume operations in the first week of May 2025, which should alleviate much of the congestion and restore full runway capacity. Following this reopening, flights will gradually revert to their standard runway assignments, improving both OTP and overall passenger experience. Additionally, further ILS enhancements are scheduled on other runways later in the year, with planned closures slated for June 15 through September 2025. Passengers are advised to stay informed about these future works to plan seamless journeys.
As Delhi Airport navigates this temporary period of reduced capacity, close coordination between DIAL, airline operators, Air Traffic Control, and the IMD remains critical. Travellers are encouraged to remain proactive—checking flight statuses, allowing extra transit time, and maintaining flexible itineraries—to ensure the smoothest possible travel experience during these necessary infrastructure upgrades and changing wind conditions.
Image Credits- Delhi Airport
