Delhi Airport to Reopen Third Runway After Upgrade

Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport will reopen its third runway for operations on September 20, 2026, following the completion of a seven-month rehabilitation project. The airport operator, Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), announced that Runway 11R29L, commonly known as the third runway, has passed all required inspections, validations, and regulatory clearances. The comprehensive upgrade, which began in February 2026, involved major airside infrastructure enhancements. These included runway resurfacing, pavement strengthening, the construction of a new Rapid Exit Taxiway (RET Z1), upgrades to airfield ground lighting systems, and a permanent threshold displacement on Runway 29L. DIAL stated the works were designed to improve runway efficiency, reduce runway occupancy time, optimize aircraft movement, and strengthen operational reliability. The rehabilitation was carried out in coordination with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, the Airports Authority of India, air traffic control, airlines, and other stakeholders to meet safety and regulatory requirements.