Date:01/11/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/11/01/stories/2008110152340300.htm

New Delhi

Third runway available for operations round-the-clock

Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI: The third runway at Indira Gandhi International Airport here has been made available for operations round-the-clock.

The runway was operational from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesday.

Movement to go up

Daily flight movement at IGI Airport is expected to go up considerably with full utilisation of the new runway, which is one of the longest in Asia at 4,430 metres.

Part of master plan

Developed by GMR Group-led Delhi International Airport Limited, the new runway is part of the master plan to develop Delhi airport into a modern travel hub. The third runway was inaugurated for commercial operations on September 25.

The operational hours of the new runway were increased in a phased manner in accordance to global aviation practices.

“Following encouraging feedback from all stakeholders, including the airlines and Air Traffic Controllers, the third runway will now be available for operations round the clock,” said a DIAL official.