Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) has earned a prestigious spot among the world’s top airports, with an annual passenger capacity exceeding 10 crore. With its present capacity of 10.9 crore passengers annually, it is one of only six airports globally to surpass this milestone, according to data from the Official Airline Guide and airport operators.
The airport, operated by Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL), a subsidiary of GMR Airports, is now the second Asian airport after Tokyo’s Haneda to cross the 100 million passengers mark.
However, despite such acclaim, safety remains a pressing concern. Data presented in Parliament revealed that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation’s (DGCA) Surveillance Plan flagged 22 violations at IGIA, ranging from inadequate wildlife control to decaying infrastructure.
Wildlife risks around the airside
The DGCA report noted an alarming presence of wildlife within the airside in 2024: 34 rabbits, 15 dogs, 16 cats, 14 monkeys, 12 monitor lizards, and two foxes were recorded by August 30. Such conditions significantly heighten the risk of animal and bird strikes, which can prove catastrophic during take-off or landing.
The aerodrome operator was directed to submit a time-bound plan to address the issue, with enhanced resources, clear timelines, and measurable targets. However, the operator has not implemented consistent mitigation measures, nor maintained a mandatory bird activity log.
The absence of a list tracking illegal slaughterhouses, shops, and uncovered garbage dumping sites within a 10-km radius further worsens the problem. These sites attract birds and wildlife, increasing risks to aircraft operations. Moreover, the lack of refresher training records for bird control staff highlights deficiencies in staff competency.
Firefighting lapses and outdated equipment
The report also highlighted serious shortcomings in firefighting preparedness. Six Crash Fire Tenders (CFTs), manufactured in 2008 or earlier, remain in use despite being outdated, with their operational life extended without proper justification.
Equally concerning is the absence of competency certificates for maintenance personnel and the fact that not all Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) staff have undergone pressure-fed fuel fire training. Refresher training for Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) was also found to be insufficient.
Daily response time checks for ARFF operations were not being conducted, while issues with the Advanced Visual Docking Guidance System (AVDGS) were also noted. The operator has been asked to incorporate additional functions into regular walk tests and submit compliance manuals.
Crumbling apron and taxiways
The audit revealed severe maintenance lapses at Apron T2, the airport’s oldest pavement, where vegetation growth and cracks have been left unaddressed. Eroded sealants have created Foreign Object Debris (FOD), with iron nuts and bolts discovered on the surface.
Repairs have either deteriorated or been halted altogether. Though T2 is now under refurbishment, with completion expected by mid-2026, the present condition poses risks to operations.
Taxiways K and N were also found with depressions, potholes, rutting, and FOD, indicating inadequate civil maintenance resources. Tall grasses up to three feet high were observed within runway strips, while Runway 29L displayed faded markings, rubber deposits obscuring centre line lights, and cracks along its surface.
Other lapses included an unserviceable wind direction indicator, uncovered taxiway light cables, inaudible fire alarms, and cranes without obstacle lighting near approach paths—all compromising flight safety.
Environmental management neglected
The report flagged irregular scheduling of Airport Environment Management Committee meetings, with the last held on October 26, 2023. Task resource analyses remained unapproved, and the airport operator failed to utilise print media to raise public awareness about aviation safety.
Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol informed Parliament that IGIA has recorded 695 bird hits since 2020, the highest among Indian airports. In 2023 alone, the airport reported 185 bird strikes; 183 in 2022 and 130 in 2021. By June 2025, 41 bird strikes had already been recorded.
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Mumbai followed with 407 bird hits since 2020, Ahmedabad with 337, and Bengaluru with 343.
DIAL’s response and future expansion
Officials at DIAL have said that measures are being taken to address DGCA’s concerns. However, they refused to provide details.
Meanwhile, expansion continues. IGIA is awaiting the development of a new 50.5-acre cargo city built by GMR Airports through DIAL, designed to enhance cargo and logistics capacity. A 10-acre plot has been earmarked for future expansion.
The project, to be managed by GMR until 2036 with a 30-year extension option, operates on a revenue-sharing model with a minimum monthly guarantee of Rs 415.74 crore.
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