Delhi International Airport to reopen third runway for operations from September 20
Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) is reopening its third runway on September 20, 2026, following seven months of extensive rehabilitation. The project included resurfacing, new taxiway construction, and lighting upgrades to improve operational efficiency and safety.
Why it matters
As one of India's busiest aviation hubs, the operational capacity of Delhi Airport significantly impacts national and international air travel efficiency.
Delhi International Airport (DIAL), the private operator of the Indira Gandhi International Airport, on Saturday (September 19, 2026) announced that it will reopen the airport’s third runway for operations from Sunday (September 20, 2026), about seven months after it was shut for major strengthening and upgrade work.
The comprehensive rehabilitation of Runway 11R/29L, commonly known as the third runway, is complete and all necessary regulatory approvals are in place for its recommissioning from Sunday (September 20), DIAL said.
DIAL is a joint venture between a consortium led by the GMR Group and the Airports Authority of India.
The rehabilitation project, which started in February, 2026, involved extensive strengthening and upgrade works aimed at enhancing operational safety, efficiency, resilience and long-term capacity at one of the country’s busiest aviation gateways, DIAL said.
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