Delhi Airport Chaos: Over 400 Flights Delayed After Major ATC System Failure

Flight operations at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport faced significant disruptions due to a technical fault in the Air Traffic Control (ATC) system. This issue led to delays for over 400 flights, as reported by Flightradar24. The problem also affected Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, causing further operational challenges.

The Airports Authority of India (AAI) stated that teams are actively working to restore the Automatic Message Switching System (AMSS), which is crucial for ATC data management. Passengers were advised to check flight statuses before heading to the airport, while airlines deployed staff to assist and minimise inconvenience.

Impact on Major Airlines

Major carriers like IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet experienced service disruptions, resulting in long queues and slower operations. The Delhi airport's advisory confirmed that all airline operations were delayed. Meanwhile, Mumbai airport also issued a statement urging passengers to verify flight details with their respective airlines due to potential delays.

Veteran pilot Captain Sharath Panicker explained that the system failure necessitated manual input of flight plans, which contributed to the delays. He noted that meteorological information integration also had to be done manually, further complicating the situation.

Passenger Advisory and Airline Responses

IndiGo advised passengers to arrive earlier than usual and check their flight status online. The airline assured travellers of timely updates and assistance at all touchpoints. Similarly, Air India Express acknowledged potential delays and longer wait times due to the ATC system issue.

The technical glitch resulted in an average departure delay of 56 minutes and an arrival delay of 68 minutes at Delhi Airport. Authorities are diligently working to resolve the matter as quickly as possible.

Technical Challenges and Manual Operations

The ongoing technical issues forced air traffic controllers to prepare flight plans manually using available data, a process that is time-consuming and led to further delays. This situation also caused air traffic congestion at the airport.

Delhi's IGI Airport handles over 1,500 flights daily, making it India's busiest airport. Any disruption here risks affecting both domestic and international schedules significantly.

Statements from Affected Airports

Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport issued an advisory acknowledging the impact of Delhi's AMSS issue on its operations. It urged passengers to stay updated through their airlines regarding revised schedules.

The Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL) confirmed that they are collaborating with stakeholders to address the technical problem promptly. Passengers were encouraged to follow updates from their airlines for any changes in schedules.

Market Impact

The disruption affected airline stocks as well; shares of IndiGo fell by 1.5% following news of operational impacts. SpiceJet and Air India also warned passengers about potential delays due to the ongoing issues at Delhi Airport.

Affected international flights included ITA Airways' service to Rome and Virgin Atlantic's flight to London, both experiencing significant delays. Flights scheduled between 6 am and 8 am were particularly impacted.

The AAI reiterated its commitment to resolving the AMSS issue swiftly while appreciating passenger patience during this challenging period. As authorities work towards restoring normalcy, passengers are advised to remain informed through official channels for updates on their travel plans.