The Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport, Chandigarh, will start 18-hour flight operations from Friday i.e, November 7, marking the next phase in the gradual restoration of services following runway repair work. Full 24-hour operations are expected to resume after November 18, once all maintenance and calibration work is completed.
The airport had been operating on a restricted schedule, from 5 am to 12 noon, between October 26 and November 6 to allow resurfacing of the runway and installation of upgraded lighting systems. Officials said the limited operational window was necessary to enable engineers to carry out heavy machinery work safely during the remaining hours of the day.
“From November 7 to 18, flight operations will be permitted between 5 am and 11 pm. After November 18, normal 24-hour operations will resume,” an airport official confirmed. “The work was planned in phases to avoid a complete shutdown while ensuring safety and timely completion of the project.”
The repair and upgradation work, undertaken jointly by Chandigarh International Airport Limited (CHIAL), the Airports Authority of India (AAI), and the Indian Air Force, included runway resurfacing, strengthening of taxiways, and installation of a new instrument landing system (ILS). The upgrades aim to improve flight safety and enhance the airport’s capability for night operations.
During the restricted period, many passengers faced inconvenience due to the limited number of flights, with airlines either adjusting their schedules or diverting services to Delhi and Amritsar. With the 18-hour operations beginning Friday, airlines have started updating flight timings and restoring regular services.
Travel agents and passengers, called the 18-hour window, a big relief after nearly two weeks of restricted flying. “The morning-only schedule was causing major trouble for passengers with onward connections. The 18-hour window will bring back flexibility,” said a Chandigarh-based travel operator.
Officials have advised travellers to check with their airlines for updated schedules before heading to the airport, as minor changes could continue during the transition period. The airport authority has also assured that passenger services, including parking, security checks and ground transport, will function normally.
They further said that with full operations set to resume after November 18, the airport is expected to return to its regular pace, reconnecting North India with key domestic and international routes.