Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) is the main gateway to Delhi and the National Capital Region of India. It’s a busy place that links India to the world.
The airport sits in Palam, about 15 km from New Delhi’s center. It covers a huge area of 5,106 acres, making it a key spot for air travel in the country. Named after a former prime minister, it’s known by its code DEL or VIDP.
DEL is growing fast as an aviation hub. It has modern features and lots of flights. The airport helps many people travel to and from Delhi each day. Its size and services make it stand out among Indian airports.
Airport Layout and Terminals
Indira Gandhi International Airport has three main passenger terminals. Each terminal serves different types of flights and airlines, handling millions of travelers annually.
Terminal 1D
Terminal 1D focuses on domestic flights. It’s a modern facility with advanced amenities for travelers. The terminal has multiple levels for arrivals and departures.
Check-in counters and security checkpoints are on the ground floor. Passengers can find shops and eateries after security. Gates are clearly marked for easy navigation.
T1D connects to other terminals via shuttle buses. It handles a large portion of domestic passenger traffic.
Terminal 2
Terminal 2 serves as a backup for domestic flights. It opened to reduce congestion at other terminals. T2 is smaller but efficient.
The terminal has basic facilities for travelers. These include check-in areas, security checks, and waiting lounges. Some food options are available.
T2 mainly handles low-cost carriers. It helps manage overflow from Terminal 1D during busy times.
Terminal 3
Terminal 3 is the largest and most advanced. It handles both international and some domestic flights. T3 can process over 30 million passengers yearly.
The terminal has separate areas for international and domestic travel. It offers many shops, restaurants, and lounges. Duty-free shopping is available for international travelers.
T3 has modern features like automated baggage systems. It uses skywalks to connect different parts of the building. The terminal has over 160 check-in counters and 90 immigration desks.
Transportation and Connectivity
Getting to and from Indira Gandhi International Airport is easy with several transport options. Travelers can choose between fast rail links, convenient taxis, or affordable buses to reach their destinations.
Delhi Metro and Airport Express
The Delhi Metro’s Orange Line provides quick access to the airport. This Airport Express line connects New Delhi Railway Station to Terminal 3 in just 19 minutes.
Trains run every 10-15 minutes from 4:45 AM to 11:30 PM daily. The fare is 60-100 rupees, depending on the distance traveled.
The Orange Line has six stations:
- New Delhi (interchange with Yellow Line)
- Shivaji Stadium
- Dhaula Kuan
- Delhi Aerocity
- Airport (Terminal 3)
- Dwarka Sector 21
Taxi and Ride-Hailing Services
Taxis offer door-to-door service from the airport. Pre-paid taxi booths are located in the arrival areas of all terminals.
Popular ride-hailing apps like Ola and Uber also operate at the airport. Designated pickup zones are clearly marked.
Meru Cabs provides metered taxi services with fixed fares to different parts of Delhi. Their vehicles are air-conditioned and equipped with GPS tracking.
Bus Services and Train Connectivity
Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) runs air-conditioned buses between the airport and city center. These operate 24/7 and stop at all terminals.
The airport is linked to New Delhi Railway Station via the Airport Express Metro. This allows easy connections to long-distance trains.
For budget travelers, regular city buses also serve the airport, though they may be crowded during peak hours.
Ample parking is available at all terminals for those driving to the airport. Short-term and long-term options are offered at varying rates.
Passenger Services and Amenities
Indira Gandhi International Airport offers a wide range of services and amenities for travelers. These include comfortable lounges, convenient hotels, diverse dining and shopping options, as well as essential services like currency exchange and free Wi-Fi.
Lounges and Hotels
The airport features several lounges for passengers to relax before their flights. These lounges provide comfortable seating, refreshments, and business facilities. Some are accessible to all travelers for a fee, while others are reserved for airline loyalty program members.
For those with long layovers or early morning flights, the airport has on-site hotels. These hotels offer convenient accommodations without leaving the airport premises.
Dining and Shopping
DEL airport boasts a variety of dining options to suit different tastes and budgets. Travelers can find quick snacks, fast food chains, and sit-down restaurants serving both Indian and international cuisine.
The airport also features an extensive shopping area. Duty-free shops sell a range of products including perfumes, electronics, and local souvenirs. Many international brands have outlets in the terminal, offering fashion, accessories, and more.
Currency Exchange and Wi-Fi
Currency exchange services are available throughout the airport, allowing travelers to convert money before or after their flights. These kiosks offer competitive rates for major world currencies.
Free Wi-Fi is provided throughout the airport terminals. Passengers can easily connect to stay in touch with family, check emails, or browse the internet while waiting for their flights.
Airlines and Destinations
Indira Gandhi International Airport serves as a major hub for both domestic and international flights. It offers connections to numerous cities across India and around the world through various airlines.
Domestic Airlines and Routes
IndiGo is the largest domestic carrier at DEL, offering flights to many Indian cities. Air India and SpiceJet also operate significant domestic routes from the airport.
Popular destinations include Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Chennai, and Hyderabad. These cities have frequent daily flights from Delhi.
DEL handles over 600 passenger flights per day, with a large portion being domestic routes. This high volume makes it India’s busiest airport for domestic travel.
International Airlines and Routes
DEL connects to 151 international destinations across 53 countries. Major foreign carriers like American Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, and Qantas operate from the airport.
Air India serves as the primary international carrier based at DEL. It offers direct flights to various cities in Europe, North America, and Asia.
Popular international routes from DEL include flights to Dubai, London, Singapore, and New York. The airport’s global connectivity makes it a crucial gateway for India’s international air travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Indira Gandhi International Airport offers various services and facilities to make travel smoother. Passengers can find answers to common queries about navigation, transportation, amenities, and arrival procedures.
How can I navigate between terminals at Indira Gandhi International Airport?
The airport provides free shuttle buses between terminals. These buses run every 20 minutes. Passengers can also use the airport metro service to move between terminals quickly.
What are the transportation options available from Indira Gandhi International Airport to central Delhi?
Travelers have several choices to reach central Delhi. Taxis, both prepaid and metered, are readily available. The Delhi Metro Airport Express Line offers fast connections to the city center.
Public buses and car rental services are also options for getting to Delhi.
What amenities and services are offered at Terminal 3 of Indira Gandhi International Airport?
Terminal 3 has a wide range of facilities. It houses numerous shops, restaurants, and cafes. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal.
The terminal also offers currency exchange services, prayer rooms, and medical facilities. Passengers can find lounges for relaxation before flights.
How early should I arrive at the airport for international departures from Delhi?
For international flights, it’s recommended to arrive at least 3 hours before departure. This allows time for check-in, security procedures, and immigration formalities.
During peak travel seasons, arriving even earlier may be wise to avoid delays.
Can I find any lounges to rest in at Terminal 1 of Indira Gandhi International Airport?
Terminal 1 has limited lounge facilities compared to Terminal 3. There are a few pay-per-use lounges available for passengers.
These lounges offer comfortable seating, refreshments, and Wi-Fi access.
What steps should I follow upon arrival for an international flight at Delhi Airport today?
Upon arrival, passengers must first clear immigration. Next, they proceed to baggage claim to collect their luggage.
After collecting bags, travelers pass through customs. RT-PCR testing may be required for passengers from certain countries. The airport provides clear signage to guide arrivals through each step.
