Setting a New Milestone: Delhi Airport Unveils 4 Operational Runways and an Elevated Taxiway

In a momentous achievement for India’s aviation sector, Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) has become the first airport in the country to have four operational runways. The new milestone was unveiled today with the inauguration of the fourth runway by Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia. The Delhi airport, which is also the largest airport in India, handles over 1,500 aircraft movements daily, and this expansion will further enhance its operational capabilities.

The inaugural flight on the newly constructed fourth runway, designated as 11L-29R, was operated by IndiGo, one of India’s leading airlines. This development signifies the continuous growth and progress of the aviation industry in the country. The addition of the fourth runway will enable better management of air traffic and contribute to reducing congestion, ultimately resulting in improved efficiency and enhanced passenger experience.

In addition to the fourth runway, the Civil Aviation Minister also inaugurated the dual elevated Eastern Cross Taxiways (ECT). With the implementation of the ECT, Delhi Airport becomes the only airport in India to have an elevated taxiway with roads passing beneath it. The ECT will connect the northern and southern airfields on the eastern side of the airport, significantly reducing the taxiing distance for aircraft by seven kilometers. Moreover, it has the capacity to handle wide-body aircraft, including the A-380, B-777, and B-747.

The introduction of these state-of-the-art facilities highlights India’s commitment to bolstering its aviation infrastructure. The Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL), operated by a consortium led by GMR Airports Infrastructure Ltd, has played a pivotal role in the successful execution of this project. The efforts put into expanding and modernizing the airport’s infrastructure will contribute to the growth and development of the aviation sector, benefiting passengers, airlines, and the nation as a whole.

India’s Economic power

During the inauguration ceremony, Minister Scindia expressed his optimism about the future of the civil aviation sector in India. He emphasized that the industry is entering a growth phase, predicting that the number of planes operated by domestic airlines will increase from 720 to 1,500. Recognizing the vital role of the civil aviation sector in India’s economic power, he highlighted the substantial aircraft orders placed by various airlines, including Air India.

Scindia also revealed that he has requested the Delhi airport operator, DIAL, to complete the construction of the fourth terminal by October. This upcoming addition will further enhance the airport’s capacity and efficiency, catering to the growing demand for air travel in the region.

G M Rao, Group Chairman of GMR Group, commended the inauguration of the ECT and the fourth runway, emphasizing their positive impact on operational efficiency and increased capacity. These developments will undoubtedly elevate the standards of Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport and solidify its position as a leading aviation hub in the country.

The unveiling of four operational runways and the introduction of the elevated taxiway at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport mark a significant milestone for India’s aviation industry. This achievement demonstrates the country’s commitment to modernizing its infrastructure and facilitating the growth of air travel. The expansion will not only benefit passengers and airlines but also contribute to the economic development of India as a whole.

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