Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) has announced a significant change affecting operations at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA). DIAL, the operator of IGIA said that starting April 15, all flights currently operating from Terminal 2 (T2) will be moved to Terminal 1 (T1). This decision is part of a larger infrastructure upgrade aimed at improving airport facilities and accommodating the increasing number of domestic passengers.
Terminal 2 will undergo refurbishment for four to six months, with completion expected in the September quarter of the next financial year. Terminal 1 will become fully operational on April 15, 2025, following an extensive expansion and modernisation project. All flights currently operating from Terminal 2, including those of IndiGo and Akasa Air, will be shifted to Terminal 1.
“The expansion and modernisation of T1 have been completed as part of the Phase 3A expansion project. The expanded world-class integrated T1 of Delhi Airport was dedicated to the nation in March last year,” DIAL said in an official release last week.
In February, DIAL had announced that Terminal 2 would remain temporarily shut for upgradation, for four to five months starting April, 2025. They had also said that another runway would remain non-functional due to an Instrument Landing System (ILS) upgrade.
Currently, Terminal 2 handles approximately 270 to 280 flights daily, serving around 46,000 passengers. Major airlines, such as Akasa Air and IndiGo, operate out of this terminal. As part of a transition plan, these flights will be moved to Terminal 1.
Terminal 1 has undergone a significant transformation as part of DIAL’s Phase 3A development plan, completed in March 2024. Its size has expanded from 55,740 square metres to an impressive 206,950 square meters, effectively more than quadrupling its capacity. The revitalised terminal is now equipped to accommodate 40 million passengers annually.
The upgrades include 100 check-in counters, 36 Self Baggage Drop (SBD) kiosks, and 108 Common Use Self-Service (CUSS) kiosks. Enhanced security features consist of 20 Automated Tray Retrieval Systems (ATRS) to expedite screening. Additionally, there are 10 new baggage reclaim carousels, and the terminal’s baggage handling capacity has doubled, increasing from 3,240 bags per hour to 6,000, ensuring efficient service for all travellers.
Delhi Airport is set to become India's first airport to handle over 100 million passengers annually. The expansion of Terminal 1, designed for up to 40 million passengers, is crucial for enhancing Terminal 3's operations. As operations shift from Terminal 2, the freed-up space will be redeveloped for more retail outlets and improved passenger amenities. These upgrades aim to streamline passenger flow and enhance the travel experience, positioning Delhi Airport as a global aviation hub to meet growing air travel demands.
Earlier this month, IGIA in Delhi introduced of Virtual Information Display (VID) kiosks at Terminals 1 and 3, marking a significant step in making travel more convenient. These self-service digital kiosks are designed to assist passengers with real-time information, navigation support, and even live customer service, ensuring a hassle-free airport experience.
Delhi airport is also seeking approval for baggage transfer between the two terminals from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS). They aim to streamline the passenger experience and reduce logistical challenges.