Delhi airport’s third runway to reopen on September 20 after 7 months

Delhi International Airport's third runway, which had been closed for repairs for seven months, is set to reopen on September 20. The Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), a GMR Aero-led consortium, announced the reopening following the successful completion of its rehabilitation programme and obtaining all required regulatory approvals.

The rehabilitation project, which began in February 2026, aimed to enhance operational safety, efficiency, resilience, and capacity at one of India's busiest aviation gateways. The upgraded runway, previously in continuous service since its commissioning in 2008, has undergone major airside infrastructure enhancements, including runway resurfacing, permanent threshold displacement, construction of a new Rapid Exit Taxiway, upgrades to airfield ground lighting systems, pavement strengthening, and associated civil and electrical infrastructure improvements.

DIAL CEO Pradeep Panicker emphasized that the recommissioning of Runway 11R/29L marks a significant milestone in Delhi Airport's journey towards building future-ready aviation infrastructure, reflecting the commitment to safety, operational excellence, and passenger service.