Representative image of the Air India hangar to be built at the Delhi Airport. Photo: Air India Air India has begun construction of a new Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) hangar at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, as the airline works to expand its in-house engineering capabilities and improve fleet reliability.
The nine-acre facility will be designed to accommodate one widebody and one narrowbody aircraft at the same time, bringing key maintenance and engineering activities under Air India's direct operational oversight at its largest hub.
Photo: Air IndiaThe new hangar is intended to reduce aircraft downtime by centralizing inspections, cabin maintenance and defect repairs. Integrated engineering offices and an on-site spare parts warehouse are expected to reduce fragmented workflows and logistics costs, while a dedicated Cabin Shop will allow interior repairs to be completed more quickly with less reliance on outside vendors.
The facility is also expected to help technical teams return grounded aircraft to service faster by providing direct access to engineering specialists and spare parts, potentially reducing operational disruptions.
Designed with future expansion in mind, the hangar will feature a clear height of 25 metres and large column-free spaces to accommodate next-generation aircraft. The project will also include advanced fire protection measures and follow Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) green building norms for energy and water conservation, in line with Air India's environmental, social and governance commitments.
Photo: Air IndiaThe groundbreaking ceremony was attended by Air India chief executive officer and managing director Tewolde Gebremariam, alongside senior executives from the airline and Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL).
The project forms part of Air India's broader transformation effort, with the airline seeking greater control over maintenance operations, improved aircraft availability and more consistent service for passengers.