In a rare and unexpected disruption, over 100 flights were delayed on Friday morning at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) following a technical issue in the Air Traffic Control (ATC) system, officials confirmed.
According to Delhi Airport authorities, the glitch affected flight operations across several terminals, leading to long queues, anxious travelers, and cascading schedule changes throughout the morning.
In an official post on X (formerly Twitter), Delhi Airport stated:
“Due to a technical issue with the Air Traffic Control (ATC) system, flight operations at IGIA are experiencing delays. The team is actively working with all stakeholders, including DIAL, to resolve it at the earliest. Passengers are advised to stay in touch with their respective airlines for the latest flight updates. We sincerely regret the inconvenience caused.”
The ATC, a critical system responsible for managing the safe and efficient movement of aircraft both on the ground and in controlled airspace, reportedly faced an unexpected technical fault that temporarily impacted communication and clearance processes. While the issue was being addressed swiftly, the ripple effect caused widespread delays during peak operational hours.
Passengers at the airport expressed frustration but also appreciation for the ground staff and airline teams working to keep them informed. Many were seen seeking alternative routes or rescheduling their flights as uncertainty loomed.
Meanwhile, in a separate development, Air India recently rolled out a “Flexi Contract for Pilots”, a progressive model offering flight crew more flexibility in choosing their duty patterns while maintaining smooth operations. The initiative, designed to enhance work-life balance and retain experienced pilots, introduces two fixed schedules:
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Wide-body aircraft: 15 days on, 15 days off
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Narrow-body aircraft: 20 days on, 10 days off
The contract, open to Line Pilots and Line Training Captains on A320, B777, and A350 fleets, emphasizes efficiency without compromising safety or service quality.
While the technical glitch caused temporary disruption at one of the busiest airports in the world, it also reminded passengers and airlines alike of the complex coordination required to keep the skies safe and running. Every delay, though inconvenient, underscores the precision and teamwork behind modern aviation—a field that leaves no room for error.
In moments like these, it’s essential to remember the unseen heroes—engineers, air traffic controllers, and airline crews—working tirelessly to restore order, often under immense pressure. As operations normalize, the day stands as a quiet reminder of how fragile yet powerful our interconnected world of travel truly is.
