Air India Begins Construction of New MRO Hangar in Delhi
Air India has commenced construction of a multi-facility Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) hangar at Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi. Announced on October 22, 2026, the project is part of the airline’s efforts to strengthen its aircraft maintenance capabilities, improve operational efficiency and reduce aircraft downtime.
Spread across nine acres, the facility is being designed to accommodate one widebody and one narrowbody aircraft simultaneously. According to Air India, it will be the first facility in Delhi capable of handling both aircraft types at the same time.
The hangar will bring key engineering and maintenance functions under the airline’s direct operational oversight, supporting its strategy to expand in-house maintenance capabilities and improve fleet reliability.
Facility to Reduce Aircraft Ground Time
The new MRO hangar is expected to reduce the time aircraft remain grounded for inspections, repairs and maintenance. It will bring aircraft inspections, cabin upkeep and technical defect rectification together under one facility.
Integrated engineering offices and an on-site spare parts warehouse will help streamline maintenance workflows and reduce logistics costs. Faster access to technical teams and spare parts is also expected to accelerate the return to service of aircraft grounded due to technical issues.
A dedicated cabin maintenance unit will support quicker repairs to aircraft interiors and reduce the airline’s reliance on third-party vendors. These measures are intended to improve aircraft availability and minimise operational disruptions.
Designed for Next-Generation Aircraft
The facility will feature a clear height of 25 metres and large column-free spans to accommodate next-generation aircraft. Its design also includes advanced fire protection systems and provisions aligned with Indian Green Building Council norms for energy and water conservation.
The project is expected to strengthen Air India’s engineering infrastructure at its largest hub and support the development of India’s wider aviation maintenance ecosystem.
Air India has not disclosed a project cost or completion date in the announcement.
Air India Expands In-House Maintenance Capabilities
The Delhi hangar forms part of Air India’s broader effort to improve operational self-reliance by bringing more maintenance activities under its control. Greater in-house capacity could help the airline manage technical issues more efficiently as it operates and expands its fleet.
By consolidating engineering teams, spare parts and repair functions at Delhi airport, Air India aims to improve fleet availability and support a more reliable travel experience for passengers.
