Delhi Airport Faces Major Flight Delays Due to Air Traffic Control System Malfunction

Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) in Delhi experienced significant flight disruptions on Friday morning after a critical malfunction occurred in its Air Traffic Control (ATC) system. The problem began Thursday evening and prevented air traffic controllers from automatically receiving flight plans.

Cause: The core issue lies with the Automatic Message Switching System (AMSS), which is essential for providing data to the Auto Track System (AMS) used in generating flight plans. With the automated systems down, controllers are forced to prepare flight plans manually, a process that is considerably slower.

Impact: This manual process has led to widespread delays. By 9 am on Friday, 93% of scheduled departures were delayed, with the average delay time reaching approximately 50 minutes. Over 100 flights were reported delayed in total. Major airlines, including IndiGo and Air India, issued statements acknowledging the disruptions and informing passengers of extended wait times. The congestion extends to northern regions.

Impact: This disruption directly impacts airline operations by increasing turnaround times, leading to potential cancellations, and affecting passenger satisfaction. It can also cause ripple effects across the broader transportation and logistics network. The inability to manage air traffic efficiently at India's busiest airport poses a significant economic risk. Rating: 7/10

Difficult terms: Air Traffic Control (ATC) system: The system used by air traffic controllers to manage and direct aircraft movements in the air and on the ground to ensure safety and efficiency. Automatic Message Switching System (AMSS): A component within the ATC system that handles the automatic transmission and reception of flight-related messages between different units and aircraft. Auto Track System (AMS): A system that helps in tracking aircraft and generating flight plans based on received data.