New Delhi, India :
Flight operations at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) in Delhi have returned to normal after a major technical malfunction in the Air Traffic Control (ATC) system disrupted hundreds of flights earlier this week.
According to airport authorities, all systems are now functioning normally, and flight schedules are gradually returning to routine. The Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) confirmed that the glitch, which affected the Automatic Message Switching System (AMSS) used for generating flight plans, has been completely resolved.
What Happened: The 36-Hour ATC Disruption
The issue began late Thursday evening when the ATC’s flight plan system experienced a breakdown, forcing air-traffic personnel to process plans manually. This led to cascading delays across both domestic and international departures.
Over 200 flights were delayed on Friday, and reports suggested nearly 800 movements were impacted at the peak of the disruption. Airlines such as Air India, IndiGo, Vistara, and SpiceJet had to rework flight schedules and issue advisories for affected passengers.
By early Saturday morning, the system was restored, and airport operations began stabilizing. Officials stated that the average delay for departures was brought down to around 15–20 minutes, compared to over an hour during the glitch.
Delhi Airport Operator Confirms Normalcy
In a statement, DIAL said, “All flight operations at Delhi airport are normal. The technical issue faced earlier has been rectified, and the airport is functioning smoothly.”
Real-time tracking data showed improved punctuality, with both arrivals and departures operating close to schedule. Airlines have resumed regular boarding and check-in processes, though passengers are still advised to allow extra time as residual effects clear up.
Impact on Passengers and Airlines
While the glitch caused temporary inconvenience, there were no safety issues reported. The backup manual system allowed ATC officers to continue operations safely, though at a slower pace.
Airlines handled passenger rescheduling on priority, offering flexibility for travelers affected by significant delays. Ground staff were also deployed in larger numbers to manage queues and assist passengers at terminals.
Aviation experts say this incident highlights the need for stronger technical redundancy in India’s aviation systems, especially at high-traffic hubs like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru.
Looking Ahead
The Indira Gandhi International Airport, which handles more than 1,500 aircraft movements daily, is India’s busiest aviation hub. The quick restoration of normalcy following this glitch is being seen as a positive sign of operational resilience.
Authorities are expected to conduct a full technical audit to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
For now, Delhi Airport is fully operational, airlines are running regular services, and passengers can expect smooth travel ahead of the festive season rush.
Passenger Travel Advisory
✈️ Delhi Airport Travel Advisory (Updated – November 8, 2025)
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Status | All flight operations normal |
| Expected Delays | Minimal (5–20 minutes on select flights) |
| Recommended Check-in Time | Domestic: 2 hrs before departure • International: 3 hrs before departure |
| Flight Status Check | delhiairport.com/flights |
| Customer Care Numbers | Air India – 1860 233 1407 • IndiGo – 0124 617 3838 • SpiceJet – 0124 498 3410 • Vistara – 9289 200 888 |
| Advisory | Monitor airline messages, arrive early, and use self-check-in kiosks for faster processing. |
Travelers are also encouraged to download airline apps for instant updates on flight rescheduling and gate changes.
