Air India has commenced construction of a new multi-facility Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) hangar at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) in New Delhi, marking another milestone in the airline’s ongoing transformation and fleet maintenance expansion.
Spread across nine acres, the facility is designed to accommodate one widebody and one narrowbody aircraft simultaneously. The new hangar will strengthen Air India’s engineering and maintenance capabilities at its largest hub, supporting improved operational efficiency and greater self-reliance.
The facility will bring key engineering and maintenance activities under direct operational oversight, with the aim of improving fleet availability, reducing aircraft downtime and enhancing operational reliability.
Improved Maintenance Efficiency
The new MRO complex will feature integrated engineering offices, an on-site spare parts warehouse and a dedicated Cabin Shop to support aircraft interior repairs. These facilities are expected to streamline maintenance workflows, reduce logistics costs and accelerate the resolution of technical issues affecting grounded aircraft.
By centralising inspections, cabin maintenance and defect rectification, Air India aims to reduce aircraft ground time and improve fleet utilisation, ultimately supporting a more reliable travel experience for passengers.
The hangar is being designed with a 25-metre clear height and large column-free spans to accommodate next-generation aircraft. The project will also incorporate advanced fire protection systems and follow Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) Green Building norms, in line with the airline’s environmental, social and governance (ESG) commitments.
The ground-breaking ceremony was attended by senior representatives from Air India and Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), including Tewolde Gebremariam, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Air India, alongside executives from engineering, operations, corporate affairs and airport aviation services.
The project represents a further step in Air India’s efforts to expand its in-house engineering capabilities, strengthen fleet reliability and contribute to the development of India’s aviation maintenance ecosystem.
