Delhi airport ops hit over air traffic control glitch, over 400 flights delayed

The disruption stemmed from a malfunction in the Automatic Message Switching System (AMSS), which feeds crucial flight plan data to the Auto Track System (ATS).

Over 400 flights were affected and delayed at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) on Friday morning following a technical snag in the air traffic control (ATC) system.

A glitch with the Air Traffic Control (ATC) system has led to delays in airport operations in Delhi.(HT Photo/File)

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Officials said the disruption stemmed from a malfunction in the Automatic Message Switching System (AMSS), which feeds crucial flight plan data to the Auto Track System (ATS).

“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,” a statement from the Airports Authority of India (AAI) said.

Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA), the country’s busiest, manages over 1,500 flight movements each day. According to flight-tracking portal Flightradar24, 513 flights were delayed on Thursday alone. As of the latest update, Friday saw 313 departures and 118 arrivals delayed.

Friday morning departure flight delays, according to the website, were up to 53 minutes, with an upward trend of increase. To be sure, there are more departures during morning hours then arrivals.

“The issue began on Thursday afternoon at around 3pm. It has not allowed the ATCOs (air traffic controllers) from receiving flight plans automatically on their screens,” one of the officials privy to the matter said.

“As a result, controllers are now preparing flight plans manually using available data, a process that is slowing down operations and contributing to congestion at the airport,” he added.

“Such a glitch is uncommon and has not happened earlier. Since each task before a flight departure is being done manually. There is chaos at Delhi ATC currently”, another official said.

“The team is working towards resolving the issue but the delays are expected to continue till then”, an official said.

IndiGo airlines posted on X about the delays.

“#6ETravelAdvisoryFlight operations at #Delhi Airport are currently experiencing delays due to a technical issue with the Air Traffic Control (ATC) system. As a result, flight operations at Delhi and several northern regions are impacted. We understand that extended wait times, both on the ground and onboard, may cause inconvenience, and we sincerely appreciate your patience. Please be assured that our crew and ground teams are actively assisting and doing their best to make your wait as smooth as possible. For the latest updates on your flight, we encourage you to check our website.Thank you for your continued understanding”, the airline said.

Air India also said that a technical issue with the ATC system in Delhi is impacting flight operations.

“...We regret the inconvenience caused by this unforeseen disruption, which is beyond our control, and appreciate your patience. Our cabin crew and on-ground staff at the airport are extending immediate assistance to reduce passenger inconvenience.We request you to check your flight status at airindia.com/in/en/manage/f… before heading to the airport,” the post read.