Air India has begun construction of a new multi facility Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) hangar at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) in New Delhi, marking a further step in the airline’s efforts to strengthen its engineering and fleet maintenance capabilities. Announced on October 22, 2026, the project will cover nine acres and is designed to accommodate one widebody and one narrowbody aircraft simultaneously.
The facility will become the first in Delhi designed to handle both aircraft categories at the same time, according to Air India. It will expand the airline’s maintenance capacity at its largest hub and help bring important engineering and technical activities under its direct operational oversight.
Integrated Facilities Aim to Reduce Aircraft Downtime
The new MRO complex will include integrated engineering offices, an on site spare parts warehouse and a dedicated Cabin Shop for aircraft interior repairs. By bringing these services together, Air India aims to streamline maintenance procedures, reduce logistics costs and speed up the resolution of technical problems.
Centralising inspections, cabin upkeep and defect rectification is expected to reduce the time aircraft remain on the ground. Direct access to engineering teams and spare parts will also help the airline address technical issues more efficiently, improve fleet availability and reduce reliance on external service providers for selected maintenance activities.
Modern Design and Green Building Standards
The hangar is being designed with a clear height of 25 metres and large column free spaces to accommodate next generation aircraft. The layout is intended to provide flexibility for maintenance operations and allow the facility to support the airline’s evolving fleet requirements over the longer term.
The project will incorporate advanced fire protection systems and follow Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) Green Building norms, including standards related to energy and water conservation. These measures align with Air India’s environmental, social and governance commitments while incorporating safety and sustainability considerations into the facility’s development.
Project Supports Aviation Reliability and Passenger Experience
The groundbreaking ceremony brought together senior representatives from Air India and Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL). Attendees included Air India Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Tewolde Gebremariam, alongside executives responsible for engineering, operations, corporate affairs and airport aviation services.
The new hangar forms part of Air India’s wider effort to build in-house engineering capabilities, improve fleet reliability and strengthen India’s aviation maintenance sector. Although the facility is intended primarily to support airline operations, more efficient maintenance can also contribute to fewer maintenance related disruptions and a more reliable travel experience for passengers. Air India has not specified the project’s total cost or expected completion date in its announcement.
