Delhi Airport’s third runway, 11R/29L, will return to service from September 20 after a seven-month rehabilitation programme, operator (DIAL) said on Saturday.




The runway has been undergoing rehabilitation since February 2026, with work focused on strengthening the runway and upgrading related airside infrastructure. DIAL said the project has been completed and all required inspections, validations and regulatory approvals have been received for its recommissioning.




The timing comes as Delhi Airport prepares for higher passenger and flight volumes. The airport currently has an annual passenger-handling capacity of 106 million, which DIAL plans to increase to 125 million by 2032. The first phase of the expansion is expected to take capacity to 116 million by April 2030.




Passenger traffic at the airport stood at 26.4 million in the first four months of FY27, while July traffic rose 3.7% year-on-year to 6 million. The airport is also expanding its terminal infrastructure, with DIAL recently operationalising Pier C at Terminal 3 for international flights.




The runway rehabilitation covered several parts of the airport’s airside infrastructure. These included resurfacing, permanent threshold displacement of runway 29L, construction of a new Rapid Exit Taxiway (RET Z1), upgrades to airfield ground lighting, pavement strengthening and improvements to related civil and electrical infrastructure.




DIAL said the upgrades are aimed at improving runway efficiency, reducing aircraft runway occupancy time and making aircraft movements more efficient. The changes are also expected to support operations during varying weather conditions.




The runway’s return will also add capacity to an airport that already has four runways. Delhi Airport became the only airport in India with four operational runways after its fourth runway was commissioned in 2023 as part of the airport’s Phase 3A expansion.




DIAL said it worked with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Airports Authority of India (AAI), Air Traffic Control (ATC), airlines and other stakeholders during the rehabilitation to complete the required safety and regulatory procedures.




DIAL CEO Pradeep Panicker said the runway’s return marks an important step for the airport as it prepares for future aviation demand.




“The recommissioning of marks an important milestone in Delhi Airport's continued journey towards building future-ready aviation infrastructure. The successful completion of this complex rehabilitation programme reflects our unwavering commitment to safety, operational excellence, and passenger service. The upgraded runway, along with the new Rapid Exit Taxiway and enhanced navigation and lighting systems, will further strengthen Delhi Airport's capacity and resilience while supporting the growing aviation needs of the country,” he said.




DIAL said the recommissioned runway will support Delhi Airport’s operational efficiency and future traffic growth while meeting global aviation safety and infrastructure standards.




The third runway has been in continuous service since its commissioning in 2008 and had undergone regular maintenance over the years, including a minor rehabilitation exercise in 2017. The latest programme involved more extensive strengthening and infrastructure upgrades.




Delhi International Airport Ltd is part of a GMR Aero-led consortium that operates Indira Gandhi International Airport. , formerly GMR Airports Infrastructure Ltd, said its airport portfolio handled more than 121 million passengers in FY26 across its operations in India and overseas.