The future configuration of Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) — including whether Terminal 3 (T3) remains the primary international hub, when Terminal 2 (T2) will be phased out, and the construction timeline for the long-delayed Terminal 4 (T4) — will be finalised by March next year.
Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL), led by the GMR Group, has begun preparing the Master Plan 2026 (MP 2026) as part of its decadal expansion strategy to keep pace with India’s rapidly growing air travel demand.
DIAL CEO Videh Kumar Jaipuriar told The Times of India that India’s aviation landscape has changed significantly in the past decade. Air India, now under the Tata Group, and IndiGo are both expanding aggressively with large global network plans, while newer players like Akasa Air have major fleet orders. Rising disposable incomes and higher travel aspirations among Indians are shaping the airport’s long-term planning.
Dedicated Terminals Under Consideration
Both Air India and IndiGo are pushing for dedicated terminals for their airline groups to streamline transfer traffic. Since the proposed air train connecting all terminals remains pending, passengers currently move between T1, T2, and T3 using DTC buses.
T2 to Stay for Now; Capacity Boost Planned
T2 will continue operating for several more years. DIAL aims to expand IGIA’s capacity from 10.5 crore passengers annually (CPA) to 12.5 CPA by 2029–30.
This will involve:
- A new Pier E at T3
- Decongestion measures at T1
- Additional aircraft parking stands
The upcoming Noida International Airport (NIA) will begin operations this winter with 1.2 CPA, expanding to 3 CPA in the early 2030s. T2 may be demolished around 2030 depending on how NIA impacts passenger flow. Once T4 is built, IGIA’s capacity could rise to 14 CPA.
T3 to Expand International Operations
From January 15, 2026, T3 will undergo a major shift:
- Three piers (A, B, C) will be dedicated to international flights
- Pier D will handle domestic operations
This will raise T3’s international capacity by 50%, from 2 crore to 3 crore passengers annually. Additional immigration counters and redesigned passenger flow paths are being implemented.
Improving Transfers Between Terminals
DIAL is upgrading transfer systems, including:
- Ticket scanners on inter-terminal DTC buses
- Trial runs for international-to-domestic baggage transfer, allowing passengers to drop bags after customs clearance for transfer to T1/2/3
Currently, terminals are spread across nearly 9 km, and passengers with connecting flights between different airlines often have to carry their luggage between terminals.
Growth Stable Despite Challenges
IGIA has maintained near-normal traffic despite disruptions such as:
- The India–Pakistan conflict
- Airport closures during Operation Sindoor
- Pakistan’s temporary airspace restrictions for Indian carriers
Regarding reports of GPS spoofing, Jaipuriar confirmed that the Instrument Landing System (ILS) Category I has been installed ahead of schedule upon DIAL’s request.
Originally published on 24×7-news.com.
