Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport is close to completing the expansion of Terminal 1, doubling its capacity to handle over 100 million passengers annually. A Rs 12,000 crore investment since 2019 aims to accommodate increased traffic. Budget carriers like IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Akasa are relocating to Terminal 1, featuring improved amenities. The terminal’s inauguration awaits regulatory approvals, offering enhanced infrastructure and connectivity options (Delhi Airport’s Capacity).
The Indira Gandhi International Airport is set to substantially increase its annual passenger handling capacity to over 100 million with the imminent inauguration of Terminal 1, nearing completion as reported by Financial Express (FE).
Presently, the airport’s three terminals collectively cater to nearly 70 million passengers each year (Delhi Airport’s Capacity).
As part of the expansion’s phase 3A, Terminal 1 is expected to double its capacity from 20 million to 40 million passengers annually.
The current expansion phase of the airport involves investments totaling Rs 12,000 crore, which commenced in 2019 to prepare the Delhi airport to manage 100 million passengers annually.
Budget carriers IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Akasa are expected to relocate their domestic operations to Terminal 1. Currently, both Terminal 1 and 2 accommodates the domestic operations of low-cost carriers (LCCs).
Last year, IndiGo sought permission to allow international flights from T1, however, no comment has been made on the reported request (Delhi Airport’s Capacity).
The report by FE indicated that the terminal’s construction, interiors, and artwork have been finalized, awaiting official inauguration, following which regulatory approvals will be sought.
Terminal 1 is designed to offer various passenger-friendly amenities, including an automated tray retrieval system (ATRS), individual carrier system (ICS), common usage self-service (CUSS), and self-baggage drop (SBD) kiosks. Additionally, the terminal will boast 22 aerobridges and 13 bussing gates.
Expanding from 60,000 sq meters to 169,000 sq meters, the terminal will feature an increased number of entry gates from 8 to 13 (Delhi Airport’s Capacity).
Furthermore, plans include ample parking space, upgraded VIP lounges, a contemporary food court, and optimized spatial arrangements to ensure seamless movement within the airport.
The terminal can be reached using the Delhi Metro’s Magenta Line, and feeder buses between Delhi Aerocity Station of Airport Line and Terminal 1 are also available.
