Delhi, city airport authorities plan to connect two runways with a 2.4-kilometre elevated stretch that will save 25 minutes off an aircraft’s taxiing time, saving fuel and improving traffic management.
The Indira Gandhi International Airport has two main runways: 10-28 preferred by flights operating from the domestic Terminal 1 and 11-29 chosen by flights out of the international Terminal 3, because of proximity.
A third runway, 9-27, 27 is used for VIP movements and when the other two are not available.
At present, the two main runways are connected with a western link on the outer Dwarka side of the airport and an aircraft has to cross one whole runway and the link to go to the other – taking about 30 minutes. With the new elevated stretch, that time will come down to five minutes.
“Construction of eastern cross taxiways – connecting runway 28 and runway 29 - will allow flexibility and assist in balancing the traffic on runways, particularly during busy hours.