Operations at Delhi's IGI Airport slowed down due to a technical glitch in the ATC system. Over 100 flights were delayed or diverted. Passengers faced long waits and inconvenience, while the team worked on system restoration.
New Delhi: Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi is considered the country's busiest airport. On Friday morning, the situation became extremely challenging after a sudden technical glitch emerged. Due to a fault in the technical network of the Air Traffic Control (ATC) system, flight movements slowed down, creating a chaotic atmosphere at the airport. Passengers faced long waits, gate changes, and uncertainty regarding flight updates.
Over 100 Flights Affected
The glitch directly impacted over 100 domestic and international flights since morning. Aircraft circling in Delhi's skies awaiting landing had to perform additional holding patterns. This increased fuel consumption, and some flights had to consider diverting to other airports. Meanwhile, aircraft ready for departure were held at parking bays and taxiways, leading to the airport parking being completely filled. Airport officials are striving to manage the situation in a balanced manner.
ATC System Glitch
According to sources, the problem occurred in the ATC's Automated Message Switching System (AMS). This system is a crucial medium for communication between aircraft and air traffic control. When this system does not function smoothly, the pace of aviation operations is directly affected. Due to this malfunction, flight management had to be shifted from automatic mode to a manual system. The manual process takes additional time, consequently slowing down the rate of takeoffs and landings on the runway significantly compared to normal.
Increased Passenger Discomfort
The technical issue directly impacted passengers. Seating at the airport terminal became full, security check counters grew crowded, and many passengers waited for several hours past their scheduled departure times. Numerous passengers shared their experiences on social media and demanded clear information from airlines and the airport. Although airport management and airlines attempted to issue timely updates, the delay times constantly changed.
Air India, SpiceJet, and IndiGo Issue Advisories
In light of the technical glitch's impact, major airlines issued their travel advisories. Air India stated that the problem in the ATC system was affecting the flight plans of all airlines. Air India expressed regret for the delays and assured that airport staff and cabin crew on board aircraft were assisting passengers.
IndiGo also stated that the issue was affecting not only Delhi but also several routes in North India, as Delhi is a major connecting hub. SpiceJet announced that many departing and arriving flights would not operate according to their schedule and advised passengers to reconfirm their travel times.
Experts Call It a Signal for the Aviation Sector
Aviation expert Mark Martin described this incident as a significant signal for the aviation industry. He stated that considering future increasing air traffic and reliance on technology, the aviation sector must always be prepared with backup systems, alternative technologies, and additional training for pilots. He added that such technical challenges indicate that the aviation industry needs a more robust and responsive plan for future pressures.
The airport operations team, in conjunction with technical teams and ATC engineers, initiated the process to quickly resolve the issue. In the initial hours, the airport's priority was to maintain safety and controlled operations. Gradually, landings and takeoffs of aircraft continued via manual mode to prevent excessive congestion and delays.
