Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL)

Overview: DEL's Three-Terminal Layout

Indira Gandhi International Airport operates through three passenger terminals — T1, T2, and T3 — spread across a large complex. The terminals are NOT connected airside: passengers connecting between terminals must exit the secure area and use shuttle buses or taxis. The inter-terminal shuttle (free, operated by DIAL) runs between T1 and T3 every 20 minutes; T2 and T3 are connected by a pedestrian walkway (~500 m, 10–15 min walk) or 10-minute shuttle. Between T1 and T3, the distance is approximately 8 km by road — allow 30–60 minutes including security re-clearance for inter-terminal connections. Always verify your terminal on your boarding pass before leaving for the airport.

Terminal 1 (T1) — Low-Cost Domestic Hub

Terminal 1 is Delhi Airport's dedicated low-cost carrier (LCC) domestic terminal, located in the northeastern corner of the airport complex. Originally Palam Airport's historic terminal building, T1 was completely reconstructed and significantly expanded in 2024, dramatically improving its capacity and passenger experience. The expanded T1 (known as T1D) now has a stated annual capacity of approximately 30 million passengers.

Airlines at T1 (2025): IndiGo (most domestic routes), SpiceJet, Akasa Air, Air India Express (domestic). Note: IndiGo has split its Delhi domestic operations across T1 and T2 (from October 2025); always check your boarding pass. No international flights operate from T1.

T1 has its own metro connection via the Magenta Line (Terminal 1–IGI Airport metro station). Lounge access via Encalm Lounge (T1D, pay-per-use, Priority Pass accepted). Parking available at T1 (traditional payment system). The free DIAL shuttle to T3 runs every 20 minutes from outside the arrivals exit.

Terminal 2 (T2) — Domestic, Reopened October 2025

Terminal 2 was closed for a comprehensive refurbishment in 2024 and reopened on 26 October 2025 with significantly upgraded facilities. T2 sits adjacent to T3 in the southwestern corner of the airport complex, connected to T3 by a pedestrian walkway (~500 m, 10–15 min walk) and a free 10-minute shuttle. T2 handles domestic overflow from Air India (60 domestic AI flights shifted here from T3 from October 2025) and IndiGo's resumed T2 domestic operations. Future plans envision T2 converted to an international facility in the 2025–26 timeframe as T3 reaches international capacity limits.

Terminal 3 (T3) — International Hub & Premium Domestic

Terminal 3 is the crown jewel of Indian airport infrastructure — one of the largest terminal buildings in the world by floor area (5.4 million sq ft / ~500,000 m²) and designed to process 40 million passengers annually. Built in record time for the 2010 Commonwealth Games by a consortium including Fraport (Frankfurt Airport) and Eraman, it opened on 3 July 2010 and transformed India's perception of world-class aviation facilities.

The terminal operates on five levels:

• Level 5: Departures (international and premium domestic check-in, security, departure lounges)
• Level 4: Departure gate areas, duty-free, international lounges
• Level 3: Mezzanine with additional lounges, Encalm Spa, food courts
• Level 2: International arrivals, customs, immigration
• Level 1: Baggage claim, ground transport, taxi/cab pickup

T3 has 168 check-in counters, 78 aerobridges, and 95 immigration counters. The terminal's "City of Culture" art installation features over 2,000 artworks celebrating Indian heritage and craftsmanship. The famous Peacock-inspired design by architects HOK (now Gensler) incorporates sustainable features including a rainwater harvesting system and a landmark glass façade.

Airlines at T3 (2025): All international airlines operating to Delhi, plus Air India (domestic and international), Vistara (now merged into Air India), select IndiGo domestic routes with international connections. Key international carriers: Emirates, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, British Airways, Lufthansa, Air France, KLM, Turkish Airlines, Etihad Airways, United Airlines, American Airlines (codeshare), Korean Air, Japan Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Thai Airways, Malaysian Airlines, Oman Air, Gulf Air, Flydubai, Air Arabia, SriLankan Airlines, Nepal Airlines, Druk Air, and many others.

DigiYatra — India's Biometric Entry System

DEL is a flagship airport for DigiYatra, India's national paperless, biometric airport entry system. Passengers register once via the DigiYatra app (linked to Aadhaar or passport), then use facial recognition at dedicated DigiYatra gates for contactless, document-free entry and security clearance. Available at all Delhi Airport terminals as of 2025. DigiYatra reduces security queue time by up to 50% — strongly recommended for frequent India travelers. Indian nationals can link Aadhaar; foreign nationals can use passport-based enrollment.

Getting To and From Delhi Airport: Complete Ground Transportation Guide

Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport benefits from excellent connectivity to the city, with the Airport Express Metro Line being the standout option for most travelers — fast, affordable, air-conditioned, and completely immune to Delhi's notorious road traffic. The airport is about 16 km from Connaught Place (the city center), but road journey times vary wildly from 25 minutes at 3 AM to 90+ minutes during morning and evening rush hours on the NH-48.

Airport Express Metro (Orange Line)

The Delhi Airport Metro Express (Orange Line, operated by DMRC) is the fastest and most reliable way to reach the city from Terminal 3. The dedicated high-speed metro connects IGI Airport directly to New Delhi Railway Station in just 19–23 minutes, with no intermediate stops between the airport and Shivaji Stadium / New Delhi stations. This is among the fastest airport metro connections in Asia.

• Stations at the airport: IGI Airport (Terminal 3 — direct underground connection to T3 departures); Aerocity (between T3 and T1/T2, 1 stop)
• Key stops: IGI Airport → Aerocity → Dhaula Kuan → Shivaji Stadium → Dilli Haat / INA → New Delhi Railway Station
• Fare: ₹60 (approx. $0.72) for the full journey New Delhi ↔ IGI Airport. Monthly passes available (30 trips ₹1,600; 45 trips ₹2,000).
• Hours: 5:00 AM – 11:40 PM daily (from New Delhi station). Trains every 10 minutes (peak) / 15 minutes (off-peak). The Airport Express does NOT run 24 hours.
• Terminal 1 access: T1 is NOT directly on the Airport Express Line. From Aerocity station, a free DIAL shuttle runs every 20 minutes to Terminal 1 (10–15 min ride). Alternatively, Terminal 1 has its own metro station on the Magenta Line (Pink/Magenta interchange at Janakpuri West) — slower but useful from some parts of Delhi.
• The Airport Express trains are modern, air-conditioned, and have luggage racks. Payment via tokens, smart cards, or QR code.

Taxi / Cab (Prepaid & Metered)

Prepaid taxis are available at dedicated counters in the arrivals area of all terminals — pay upfront before reaching the vehicle. These are government-regulated fares and strongly recommended over negotiating with random drivers at the curb.

• To Connaught Place / New Delhi: approximately ₹400–₹600 for a standard AC taxi (~25–45 min off-peak)
• To South Delhi (Hauz Khas, Saket, Lajpat Nagar): ₹500–₹700
• To Gurgaon (Gurugram): ₹400–₹600 (20–40 min via NH-48)
• To Noida: ₹700–₹900 (45–75 min)
• Night surcharge (after 11 PM): typically 25% extra. Official taxis are black-and-yellow or white with a DIAL/Delhi Transport registration. Always insist on the meter being reset at trip start or confirm the prepaid amount.

Ride-Sharing: Uber and Ola

Both Uber and Ola operate extensively at IGI Airport. Pickup zones are designated at all terminals — follow "App Cab" signage from arrivals. Note: since June 2025, DIAL increased pickup charges for app-based cabs by approximately 40%, making them slightly more expensive than before. Typical fares:

• Mini/Economy (Ola Mini / UberGo) to Connaught Place: ₹300–₹500 off-peak; ₹600–₹900 during surge
• Sedan (Ola Prime / Uber Premier) to Connaught Place: ₹450–₹700
• To Gurgaon: ₹350–₹600
• Budget tip: Take the Airport Express Metro to New Delhi Station or Shivaji Stadium and book an Ola/Uber from there — reduces total cost by 35–40%.

DTC Bus (Public Bus)

Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) operates CNG-powered bus routes connecting IGI Airport to major transit points in Delhi. Routes operate 24/7 and connect to Connaught Place, Inter-State Bus Terminal (ISBT Kashmere Gate), and other hubs. Frequency every 30 minutes. Fare: ₹25–₹75 depending on destination. Buses stop at the bus stop opposite the Centaur Hotel near Terminal 1. Best for budget travelers with minimal luggage and flexibility on timing.

Car Rental

Major international car rental companies (Hertz, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Europcar) and Indian operators (Myles, Revv, Zoomcar) operate from Terminal 3. Self-drive is popular among experienced India travelers. Chauffeur-driven rentals are also widely available and often more practical given Delhi's traffic conditions. Daily rates start from ₹2,500–₹4,000 for economy self-drive; ₹3,500–₹6,000 with driver.

Hotel Shuttles

Most hotels in the Aerocity area (adjacent to the airport, ~5 min) offer free or low-cost shuttle services. Many hotels also provide airport transfers for guests. The Aerocity hospitality zone is accessible from Aerocity metro station or by car in 5–10 minutes from any terminal.

Hotel Inside Terminal 3

Holiday Inn Express New Delhi International Airport Terminal 3 — ★★★ — The only hotel physically inside the T3 terminal complex, accessible airside (post-security, international departures level). Offers day-use rooms (hourly rates from ₹2,500–₹3,500 for 3 hours) and overnight stays from approximately ₹6,000–₹9,000/night. Ideal for long layovers and transit passengers who don't want to clear customs and immigration. Showers available for guests. The location is truly unique — you can sleep 50 meters from your departure gate.

Aerocity — The Airport Hotel District

Delhi Aerocity is a purpose-built hospitality zone immediately adjacent to the airport complex (5–10 min by car from any terminal; accessible directly from Aerocity metro station on the Airport Express Line). It hosts one of India's densest concentrations of international hotel brands, making it the most convenient cluster for airport layovers, business meetings, and early/late flights.

JW Marriott New Delhi Aerocity — ★★★★★ — Delhi's premier airport luxury hotel. Rates from ₹12,000–₹22,000/night. 510 rooms, multiple restaurants (including Akira Back Japanese cuisine), a stunning pool, and world-class spa. The lobby bar is one of Delhi's most popular corporate meeting spots.

Pullman New Delhi Aerocity — ★★★★★ — Part of AccorHotels, connected to the Aerocity metro station via a climate-controlled walkway. Rates from ₹9,000–₹16,000/night. 350 rooms, three restaurants, outdoor pool. Walking distance from both the Aerocity metro and T3 shuttle stop.

Andaz Delhi (by Hyatt) — ★★★★★ — Boutique-style luxury with stunning Indian-inspired contemporary design. Rates from ₹10,000–₹18,000/night. Known for its rooftop pool bar and acclaimed Indian restaurant SETZ.

Novotel New Delhi Aerocity — ★★★★ — Upper midscale, excellent value for the Aerocity area. Rates from ₹5,000–₹9,000/night. Large rooms, outdoor pool, 24-hour dining.

Ibis New Delhi Aerocity — ★★★ — Best budget option in Aerocity. Rates from ₹2,500–₹5,000/night. Clean, modern rooms, reliable quality. Popular with airline crew and business travelers watching costs.

Lemon Tree Premier Delhi Airport — ★★★★ — Indian midscale chain, excellent value. Rates from ₹3,500–₹7,000/night. Friendly service, good restaurant, free airport shuttle.

The Roseate New Delhi — ★★★★★ — Boutique luxury hotel in Aerocity with lush garden setting. Rates from ₹8,000–₹14,000/night. Outstanding spa, garden pool, farm-to-table restaurant.

Delhi Airport Parking Overview

Parking is available at all three terminals, with Terminal 3 offering the most sophisticated multi-level car park (MLCP) — India's first automated parking management and guidance system. T3's MLCP has 7 levels and capacity for 4,300 vehicles, with centralized payment stations at each exit level for a smooth, queue-free checkout. T1 and T2 use traditional payment-at-exit systems.

Recommendations

For stays under 2 hours (drop-off/pickup): standard car park at the relevant terminal. For multi-day stays: book the Park & Fly facility online via the official Delhi Airport website for guaranteed spaces at discounted pre-booked rates. For T3, the multi-level parking's automated guidance system shows real-time availability per floor — follow green/red indicators. EV charging stations are available in the T3 MLCP. Car wash, air pressure, and pollution check services are available only at T3 parking.

Payment

T3 MLCP: Pay at centralized payment booths in lift lobbies (cash, cards, UPI/QR code). T1/T2: Traditional exit-gate payment (cash and cards accepted). Free shuttle from the Public Transport Centre (PTC) to T3 every 20 minutes for non-driving passengers using the off-airport bus services.

WiFi at Delhi Airport

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout all terminals at IGI Airport. Connect to the network "Delhi Airport Wi-Fi" and complete a simple OTP-based authentication via your mobile number. The free tier allows reasonable speeds suitable for messaging, email, and light browsing. Time limits may apply for the free tier; premium speeds via paid upgrade. The Airport Express Metro trains are also equipped with Wi-Fi on board. Note: bring a working Indian SIM or roaming data as a backup — authentication requires SMS OTP, which may not work for all foreign numbers without configuration.

Airline Lounges at Terminal 3

Terminal 3 is exceptionally well-served by lounges, both airline-specific and independent pay-per-use options:

• Air India Maharaja Lounge (T3, Departures Level) — Flagship lounge for Air India Business and First class passengers, Star Alliance Gold members. One of India's best airline lounges; extensive Indian and international cuisine, showers, day-beds, business facilities.
• Emirates Lounge (T3, international departures) — Accessible to Emirates Business and First class passengers and SkyWards Platinum members. Excellent food and shower facilities.
• Plaza Premium Lounge (T3, Domestic Departures and International Departures) — Multiple locations; accessible via Priority Pass, Dragon Pass, select credit cards (Amex Platinum, HDFC Infinia, ICICI Sapphiro), or pay-per-use (~₹2,500–₹3,500 for 2 hours). Offers food, showers, Wi-Fi, and comfortable seating.
• ITC Green Lounge (T3) — Available via select credit cards and pay-per-use. Good food and quiet ambiance.
• Encalm Lounge (T3, International Departures Level 4; also T1D) — Pay-at-door (₹2,330/2 hours at T1; rates vary at T3); Priority Pass accepted. Includes access to Encalm Spa services for additional fees.
• American Express Centurion Lounge — Access for Amex Platinum cardholders at T3.
• Singapore Airlines SilverKris Lounge — For SIA Business/First and KrisFlyer Elite Gold at T3 international.
• Other individual airline lounges: British Airways, Lufthansa (Senator), Qatar Airways, Cathay Pacific, and others operate airline-specific facilities for their premium passengers.

Lounge at Terminal 1

Encalm Lounge (T1D, mezzanine level, Domestic Departures) — Open 24 hours. Pay at door (₹2,330 for 2 hours) or via Priority Pass, Lounge Key, or select Indian bank credit cards (HDFC, ICICI, SBI, Axis). No showers. Decent food, Wi-Fi, comfortable seating. The only independent lounge at T1.

Shopping and Duty-Free

Terminal 3 offers an impressive duty-free and retail experience. Delhi Duty Free (operated by DIAL) across the international departures and arrivals levels features all major luxury brands, perfumes, electronics, liquor (excellent selection of Indian whiskies and international spirits), cosmetics, and confectionery. Popular Indian picks: premium darjeeling/assam tea, saffron, Amul chocolates, and Indian handicrafts at the "Authentic India" concept store. For Indian jewelry and textiles, look for Fab India and Tanishq retail in the departures area. Arriving international passengers should note duty-free allowances into India: 2 liters of alcohol or 1 liter of spirits; cigarettes up to 100 sticks.

Dining

T3 has the most comprehensive dining of any airport in India. Highlights include:

• Olive Bar & Kitchen (T3, Departures) — Mediterranean cuisine, popular for sit-down meals pre-flight
• Punjabi by Nature (T3) — Authentic North Indian cuisine; excellent dal makhani and butter chicken
• Café Coffee Day / Starbucks / Costa Coffee — Multiple locations across T1 and T3
• McDonald's, KFC, Subway, Pizza Hut — Available in T3 food courts (international fast food)
• Saravana Bhavan (T3) — South Indian vegetarian institution; masala dosa, idli, uttapam
• Multiple kiosks and food courts are open 24 hours in T3 for overnight travelers

T1 has limited dining — primarily coffee shops, bakeries, and fast food chains. Pre-flight meal planning is strongly recommended for T1 travelers.

Medical Facilities

24-hour medical centers are available at all terminals. T3 has a full first-aid medical center on the arrivals level. Pharmacy counters are available in T3 departures. For emergencies, Delhi Airport has ambulance services on-site. Delhi's AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences) — one of Asia's premier hospitals — is approximately 8 km from the airport via the Airport Express + metro.

Family Facilities

• Baby care and nursing rooms: Available in T3 at multiple points throughout the departures area. Diaper changing stations in all major restrooms.
• Children's play area: T3 departures area near Gate 11 and in the international transit zone.
• Prayer rooms: Multi-faith prayer facilities in T3. A dedicated namaz (prayer) room is available in T3 international departures.
• Pet relief: Outside terminal pre-security area at T1 and T3. No airside pet facilities.

Accessibility

IGI Airport is fully accessible for passengers with reduced mobility (PRM). Wheelchair services must be requested through your airline at least 48 hours before travel. T3 has dedicated accessibility lanes at all security checkpoints, accessible restrooms on all levels, and lift access to all floors. The Airport Express trains and stations are wheelchair accessible. Call the DIAL helpline in advance for PRM assistance coordination.

Currency Exchange

Currency exchange counters (Thomas Cook India, UAE Exchange, state bank forex counters) are available in T3 arrivals (post-customs, international arrivals hall) and in T3 departures (both sides of security). Airport rates are typically 3–7% worse than mid-market. For better rates: use ATMs within the terminal (HDFC, ICICI, SBI, Axis Bank ATMs available at all terminals, including airside in T3). Inform your home bank before arriving to avoid card blocks. UPI (Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm) is widely accepted throughout the airport.

Luggage Storage

The official Cloakroom service in T3 allows luggage storage for up to 30 days. A valid passport or photo ID is required. Open 24 hours. Rates approximately ₹200–₹400 per bag per day. Located in the T3 arrivals area. T1 does not have a formal cloakroom — ask the airport information desk for alternatives if needed.

Sleeping Pods / Rest Zones

T3 departures features dedicated sleeping pods (GoSleep-style pods) for transit passengers — available for hourly rental. The Holiday Inn Express (airside T3) offers day-use rooms from ₹2,500 for 3 hours — the most comfortable option. T3 also has Encalm Spa (international departures Level 3) offering massages and wellness treatments. Multiple reclining chairs are available in the T3 transit area for overnight layover passengers.

Smoking

Smoking is prohibited inside all terminal buildings per Indian aviation regulations. Designated smoking areas are available outside terminals, pre-security only. T3 has a smoking room on the departures level, just outside the main terminal entrance. Inside the secure area, there are no smoking facilities.

SIM Cards and Mobile

This deserves special mention for international arrivals: Indian SIM cards require in-person registration with passport and photo. SIM card kiosks from Airtel, Jio, and Vi (Vodafone-Idea) are located in T3 arrivals (post-customs), offering tourist SIMs starting from ₹299–₹499 for data + calls. Getting a local SIM is strongly recommended — app-based transport (Ola, Uber), food delivery, and payments all function far more smoothly with an Indian number.

Hub Airlines at DEL

Delhi Airport serves as the primary hub for India's two dominant full-service carriers and the largest low-cost carrier. The post-pandemic period has seen extraordinary airline growth at DEL, with Air India's 2022 re-privatization (Tata Group takeover) and 2024 Vistara merger dramatically reshaping the competitive landscape.

• Air India (Star Alliance) — India's flag carrier and primary international hub airline at DEL. Following the Vistara merger (completed November 2024), Air India now operates the most comprehensive international network from Delhi including long-haul routes to North America, Europe, Australia, and the Far East. Terminal 3.
• IndiGo — India's largest airline by domestic market share (~60%). Primarily LCC domestic operations from T1; some international routes and domestic-international connections from T3. The dominant carrier for point-to-point domestic travel.
• SpiceJet — Budget domestic carrier, Terminal 1. Reduced operations in 2024 due to financial challenges but continues significant Delhi operations.
• Akasa Air — India's newest and fastest-growing LCC (founded 2022, backed by late Rakesh Jhunjhunwala). Domestic flights from Terminal 1. Rapidly expanding network.

Key International Airlines at T3

Middle East mega-carriers dominate Delhi's international traffic: Emirates (multiple daily Dubai flights), Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, and budget carriers Flydubai and Air Arabia collectively account for a significant portion of DEL's international volumes, serving as connections for the massive Indian diaspora and outbound tourism market. European carriers include Lufthansa, British Airways, Air France, KLM, Swiss, Turkish Airlines, Finnair, SAS, and Austrian Airlines. Asian carriers include Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways, Cathay Pacific, Korean Air, Japan Airlines, and Malaysian Airlines. North American service is provided by Air India (non-stop to JFK, SFO, ORD, YYZ, YVR) and United Airlines (codeshare via Air India). Air Canada operates non-stop Toronto–Delhi service.

Top Routes from DEL (2024)

On 16 December 2024, IGI became the first Indian airport with non-stop service to 150 destinations (domestic and international combined), following the launch of Thai AirAsia X Delhi–Bangkok Don Mueang service.

Distances from Indira Gandhi International Airport

Indira Gandhi International Airport — Passenger Traffic Statistics

Delhi Airport has been India's busiest airport since 2009 and has grown from a regional hub into a global Top-10 airport in just 15 years. The airport's growth trajectory reflects India's position as the world's fastest-growing major aviation market. Note: India uses financial year (FY) accounting (April–March), so figures may differ from calendar year data used by ACI.

Aircraft movements in FY2024–25 exceeded 460,000 total movements. Cargo volume stands at approximately 1.04 million metric tonnes per annum, making DEL India's #1 cargo airport — particularly strong in pharmaceutical exports (DEL is a key pharma hub for Indian generic medicine exports), perishables (flowers, vegetables), and e-commerce. The December 2024 monthly record stood at 7.065 million passengers — the highest single month in airport history to that date.

Looking ahead: DIAL's expansion plans target 100 million passengers annually through phased terminal additions (T4, T5, T6). The upcoming Noida International Airport (Jewar/DXN) is designed to eventually absorb 70–100 million passengers/year, creating a twin-airport NCR system similar to London's Heathrow/Gatwick. India's overall commercial aviation market is projected to become the world's third-largest by 2030, driven by a rapidly expanding middle class and government infrastructure investment.