New Delhi: The Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) in Delhi is poised to undergo a significant transformation with the addition of a second international terminal. IndiGo, India’s largest domestic airline, has urged Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL) to create facilities for handling international traffic at the expanded Terminal 1, which was initially intended for domestic operations only.
IndiGo currently operates out of all three terminals in Delhi—Terminals 1, 2, and 3. However, the airline has long expressed its desire to consolidate all its flights in one location to enhance operational efficiency and improve passenger comfort. The expansion of Terminal 1, initially planned solely for domestic flights, is expected to be completed by September of this year.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the construction work on Terminal 1 was delayed in 2020 and 2021. However, with air travel rebounding beyond expectations, authorities are determined to complete the terminal as originally planned to accommodate the surge in traffic. Subsequently, DIAL will seek clearance from multiple government agencies to enable international operations at Terminal 1.
According to sources, it is only a matter of time before Terminal 1 handles both domestic and international flights, pending the necessary approvals from various government agencies. The long-term vision involves Terminal 3 being primarily dedicated to Tata Group airlines, such as Air India-Vistara and AI Express-AirAsia India combinations, as well as foreign carriers. Terminal 1 will cater to low-cost carriers, including IndiGo, while Terminal 2 will handle domestic flights operated by full-service carriers.
One major challenge faced by passengers currently transiting between Terminals 1 and 3/2 is the absence of an automated people mover, such as an air train. This often leads to confusion and inconvenience, as travelers may find themselves at the wrong terminal and have to rush to the correct one to catch their flights. The implementation of designated terminals for specific airlines is expected to mitigate this confusion and enhance passenger experience.
Interestingly, Terminal 2, originally constructed for the 1982 Asian Games as an international terminal, served that purpose until the completion of Terminal 3 in 2010. It is now expected that Terminal 2 will be replaced by a new facility and will temporarily cease handling international flights.
In the calendar year 2023, IndiGo held a commanding market share, handling 56.1% of India’s domestic air traffic, which accounted for 6.9 crore out of the 12.3 crore domestic passengers. The airline aims to surpass the 10-crore passenger mark (including both domestic and international) in the fiscal year 2023-24, catapulting it into the league of the world’s largest airlines by passenger volume. With a current fleet of around 310 planes, IndiGo anticipates doubling its fleet count before 2030. The Tata Group also has ambitious expansion plans for Air India, recently placing an order for 470 aircraft. Presently, Delhi’s IGI Airport ranks among the top 10 busiest airports globally.
The implementation of two international terminals at Delhi’s IGI Airport marks a significant development in the aviation landscape of India’s capital city. As passenger numbers continue to soar, this expansion will enhance connectivity, streamline operations, and contribute to a more seamless travel experience for millions of travelers passing through Delhi.
