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Delhi airport faced major flight delays as its air traffic control system failed. More than 150 departures at Indira Gandhi International Airport were affected, leaving passengers waiting.
Delhi Airport Delays
Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport experienced significant flight disruptions on Friday morning. A technical fault in the air traffic control system caused delays across the airport. The Automatic Message Switching System, which sends flight plan information to the Auto Track System, malfunctioned. This forced air traffic controllers to process flight plans manually, slowing operations.
More than 150 departures were affected, with morning flights delayed by up to 53 minutes. Flight tracking data showed that 513 flights were delayed on Thursday, and 171 flights continued to be delayed on Friday morning.
Flights Held Up
Normally, flight plans appear automatically on controllers’ screens, allowing smooth management of departures. Due to the glitch, every plan had to be checked and entered manually. Officials said the manual process caused congestion at the airport and extended waiting times for passengers.
An anonymous ATC source stated, “The system is crucial for handling flights quickly. Without it, everything becomes slower and delays increase.”
Passengers reported long queues at check-in counters and boarding gates. Many travelers expressed frustration, while airlines worked to manage rescheduling and assistance.
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Airlines Issue Advisories
Major airlines like IndiGo and Air India updated passengers through social media. IndiGo urged travelers to check flight status before reaching Delhi airport. Air India also posted notices advising passengers to stay informed and assured that staff were helping manage affected flights.
Officials encouraged passengers to confirm departure times and be prepared for changes. Many travelers were advised to allow extra time at the airport, as boarding and security checks took longer due to the delays.
System Restoration
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) confirmed that technical teams are working to restore the Automatic Message Switching System. AAI stated that controllers continue to process flights manually and are coordinating with airlines to reduce inconvenience.
Delhi airport, one of the busiest in India, handles more than 1,500 flights daily. Officials said operations would gradually return to normal once the system is fixed. Travelers are advised to check airline websites or apps for the latest updates.
Passenger Impact
The delay affected flights both within India and internationally. Morning departures were hit hardest, and some travelers faced rescheduling for later flights. Flight tracking platforms showed the highest delays were around 53 minutes, but the number of affected flights was rising as manual processing continued.
Passengers expressed frustration on social media but appreciated airlines providing updates. Experts said such technical glitches are rare but highlight the reliance of airports on technology for smooth operations.
What Travelers Should Do
Passengers heading to Delhi airport should:
- Check their flight status before leaving home.
- Reach the airport early to avoid stress from longer security and boarding lines.
- Follow updates from airlines on social media or official apps.
Airlines continue to assist travelers with rebooking or alternate arrangements. Officials stressed that safety and proper management are the top priorities while the system is restored.
Delhi airport delays caused by the air traffic control system failure highlight the importance of technology in aviation. Travelers are advised to stay informed and plan ahead to minimize disruption.
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