Passengers travelling through Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport are experiencing significant delays and disruptions. The problems stem from ongoing runway maintenance, shifting weather patterns, and restricted airspace due to geopolitical tensions. These factors have caused long queues, delayed arrivals and departures, and growing frustration among domestic and international flyers.
Runway Maintenance Slows Operations At IGI Airport
Passenger Advisory issued at 2323Hrs#DelhiAirport #PassengerAdvisory pic.twitter.com/Mokb9yeAUx
— Delhi Airport (@DelhiAirport) April 25, 2025
Delhi Airport temporarily paused the upgrade work on Runway 10/28, a key stretch used during low-visibility conditions. According to a report by The Indian Express, the decision followed growing delays and increased passenger inconvenience. The runway’s closure impacted flight scheduling, especially during peak hours, when traffic is at its highest.
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The airport, which typically operates three runways simultaneously, has had to manage with only two. This has significantly reduced flight handling capacity, resulting in cancellations and delays. Operational pressure has increased, and the passenger footfall has made the situation more challenging during early mornings and late evenings.
Changing Winds And Airspace Restrictions Compound Delays
Kind attention to all flyers!#DelhiAirport #PassengerAdvisory pic.twitter.com/dPlqla3u5m
— Delhi Airport (@DelhiAirport) April 25, 2025
Weather patterns have added to the disruption. The early arrival of easterly winds, typically seen post mid-May, has affected landing and take-off directions. As reported by Business Standard, this shift has brought down the number of aircraft arrivals from 46 per hour to 32. With fewer aircraft able to land in a given window, flight schedules have become tighter, often triggering cascading delays throughout the day.
Adding to the woes, Pakistan’s decision to temporarily close its airspace for Indian flights has forced the rerouting of several international flights. According to Business Insider India, this geopolitical move came in the wake of escalating tensions in Kashmir. Airlines like Air India and IndiGo have had to divert flights to longer routes, increasing both travel time and operational costs. Flights from North America and Europe have seen significant delays and unscheduled stopovers due to this restriction.
Delhi Airport Introduces Measures For Affected Passengers
To reduce the discomfort for stranded passengers, Delhi Airport has implemented temporary support measures. As reported by The Financial Express, the airport has created dedicated enclosures for those waiting for delayed flights exceeding three hours. These passengers can now re-enter the terminal faster through separate entry points, bypassing the usual security queues.
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The airport authorities have also urged travellers to stay updated with flight schedules through official airline and airport channels. They advised passengers to arrive early, especially those on international routes, to accommodate possible delays or terminal changes.
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