New Delhi, 19 January 2026: Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), a GMR Aero-led consortium that manages and operates India’s Delhi airport, today announced a comprehensive rehabilitation programme for Runway 11R/29L (commonly known as the third runway), which includes resurfacing of the runway, construction of a new Rapid Exit Taxiway and installation of a new Instrument Landing System (ILS).
The runway—commissioned in 2008 and in continuous service for 17 years—will undergo essential strengthening and upgrade works aimed at enhancing safety, operational resilience, and capacity for future growth. For reference, the RWY has undergone regular maintenance since 2008, including minor rehabilitation in 2017. However, increased traffic, operational intensity, and natural ageing make comprehensive rehabilitation essential at this stage.
The rehabilitation work is scheduled to commence from February 16, 2026, following requisite regulatory approvals. It is expected to be recommissioned in early July, subject to DGCA approval.
DIAL, in coordination with the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and other stakeholders, convened multiple high-level consultations to assess and mitigate the impact of closure. Following this, it has been decided that the airport’s scheduled movement capacity will be maintained at 1,514 movements per day. Also, airlines and Air Traffic Control (ATC) have been fully briefed, and operational plans are in place to ensure smooth continuity of services.
Speaking about the development, CEO-DIAL, Mr Videh Kumar Jaipuriar, said, “The rehabilitation of Runway 11R/29L is a crucial infrastructure project to ensure long-term operational safety, efficiency, and compliance with global aviation standards. We are committed to delivering the project on time, with minimal disruption to airport operations, and with full coordination with AAI, DGCA, airlines, and all stakeholders. The project reflects DIAL’s commitment to continuous improvement, operational excellence, and preparing IGI Airport to handle future aviation growth responsibly.”
The planned works include:
- Milling and resurfacing of flexible runway and taxiway portions
- Laying of Dense Bituminous Macadam and Bituminous Concrete
- Removal and reinstallation of around 2,000 Airfield Ground Lighting (AGL) fixtures
- Basic strip works across 500,000 sqm
- Construction of a new Rapid Exit Taxiway (RET Z1) to enhance efficiency and reduce runway occupancy time
- Runway End Safety Area (RESA) drain widening and associated civil works
- Replacement of windsock cabling and electrical systems
- Rigid pavement upgrades across 39,000 metres
- New pavement markings
An additional major component of the project involves the readiness and installation of a new Instrument Landing System (ILS), followed by calibration, validation, and eventual operationalisation in compliance with the AIRAC cycle.
The AGL refers to the comprehensive system of lights installed on an airport runway to provide pilots with crucial visual guidance for safe takeoff, landing, and ground movement, especially in low visibility, defining the runway's edges, centerline, threshold, and touchdown zone with specific colours and intensities as per international standards, ensuring safe operations day and night.
To improve airside efficiency, a new Rapid Exit Taxiway (Z1) will be constructed, connecting Runway 11R/29L to the existing Zulu taxiway. This new RET will support faster aircraft exits and optimise runway occupancy time (ROT), particularly during peak operational hours.
About GMR Airports Limited (Formerly GMR Airports Infrastructure Limited)
GMR Airports Limited (GAL) is a leading global airport platform company with over two decades of experience in designing, constructing, and operating world-class sustainable airports. Under the brand name “GMR AERO”, it offers pioneering aviation solutions in retail, aero services, and real estate. Groupe ADP joined the journey in 2020 as a strategic partner and is now a co-promoter in GAL.
As a platform business, GAL also provides a range of aero services including Duty Free, Retail, F&B, Cargo, Car Parking, O&M, and PMC services. Through its innovative Aerotropolis concept, it develops cutting-edge airport cities giving shape to best-in-class real estate developments in South Asia. GAL operates India's largest third-party Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility through its subsidiary, GMR Air Cargo and Aerospace Engineering Limited ensuring operational excellence across the Asia Pacific region.
GMR Innovex, a GMR Group entity, is developing and introducing a range of digital solutions to enhance the passenger journey and airport experience. Through GMR Aero Academy and GMR School of Aviation, the company is creating the talent pool necessary to drive the growth of the aviation sector in India (the third largest in the world).
As the largest private airport operator in Asia and the second-largest globally, GAL served over 120 million passengers in FY25 with a steadfast commitment to excellence in airport management as reflected in its consistent rankings for services by ACI and Skytrax. With a robust presence in India and Southeast Asia, the company operates key gateways such as Delhi, Hyderabad, Goa, and Medan airports, while extending its technical services to Mactan Cebu International Airport in the Philippines. GAL is also developing transformative projects like the greenfield airports in Bhogapuram (Visakhapatnam), India, and Crete, Greece.
GMR Group, the promoter of GAL has a significant presence in Energy, Transportation, Urban Infrastructure, and Sports. Through its CSR arm, GMR Varalakshmi Foundation, GMR supports local communities, reflecting its commitment to improving quality of life by enhancing skills, providing education, and developing healthcare infrastructure and services.
Groupe ADP develops and manages airports, including Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Paris-Orly, and Paris-Le Bourget. In 2024, the group handled through its brand Paris Aéroport 103.4 million passengers at Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Paris-Orly, and nearly 363.7 million passengers in airports in France and abroad. Boasting an exceptional geographic location and a major catchment area, the Group is pursuing its strategy of adapting and modernizing its terminal facilities and upgrading the quality of services; the Group also intends to develop its retail and real estate businesses. In 2024, group revenue stood at €6,158 million and net income at €342 million.
For further information about GMR Group, visit https://www.gmrgroup.in
For further details, please contact:
Subhendu Ray
Corporate Communications
Email: subhendu.ray@gmrgroup.in
Sarvottamjee M Jaipuriar
Corporate Communications
Email: sarvottamjee.jaipuriar@gmrgroup.in