Delhi Airport Faces Major Flight Disruptions As ATC Glitch Hits Over 400 Flights

Flight operations at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) in Delhi were severely disrupted on Friday after a technical fault in the Air Traffic Control (ATC) system affected over 400 flights, including those operated by Indigo, Air India, and other carriers.

The problem stemmed from a malfunction in the Automatic Message Switching System (AMSS), a key component of ATC operations. Indigo Airlines confirmed that its teams are addressing the issue and warned that the system’s full restoration may take time, causing continued delays at Delhi and several northern airports.

Air India Express reported that it operates around 60 daily domestic flights from Delhi Terminal 1 and four international flights from Terminal 3. A spokesperson said their teams were assisting passengers at the airport and coordinating closely with authorities to minimise disruptions.

Delhi Airport also issued a passenger advisory via X, stating, “Flight operations at Delhi Airport are experiencing delays due to a technical issue in the Automatic Message Switching System (AMSS), which supports Air Traffic Control data. Controllers are processing flight plans manually, leading to some delays. Technical teams are working to restore the system at the earliest. We appreciate the understanding and cooperation of all passengers and stakeholders.”

Passengers reported extended waiting times both at the airport and onboard aircraft. One traveller on a delayed flight told IANS that crew members requested patience while technicians worked to resolve the problem.

Background and Precautionary Advice

Earlier this week, connectivity issues affecting check-in systems disrupted operations at IGIA, but airport authorities resolved them by Wednesday.

However, Friday’s ATC malfunction affected a far larger number of flights, creating significant operational challenges.

Airlines have urged passengers to monitor their flight status closely and to arrive at the airport well in advance of scheduled departures. Authorities are continuing efforts to restore full operational efficiency as quickly as possible.

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