Delhi's Airports: A Hub For Indian Aviation

Delhi, the capital of India, is served by the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI), which is located in Palam, about 16 km from the city centre. The airport is a major aviation hub, known for its world-class facilities and services, and is one of the busiest airports in Asia. It has three terminals, catering to both domestic and international flights, and offers a seamless travel experience with modern amenities, dining options, and efficient connectivity. In addition to IGI, Delhi also has the Safdarjung Airport, a historical airport established during the British era in 1929, which serves VVIPs.

Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL)

Named after Indira Gandhi (1917-1984), the former Prime Minister of India, the airport is known for its state-of-the-art facilities and services. It is one of the busiest airports in Asia, with multiple terminals catering to domestic and international flights. The airport is a major gateway connecting Delhi to the world, offering a seamless travel experience for millions of passengers annually.

Indira Gandhi International Airport is spread over an area of 5,106 acres (2,066 ha). It has four near-parallel runways and is equipped with an advanced system called Airport Collaborative Decision Making (A-CDM) to ensure timely and predictable take-offs and landings. The airport has a seating capacity of over 36 lakh (3.6 million) seats and handles a significant volume of passenger and cargo traffic.

The airport offers a range of services and facilities, including currency exchange counters, assistance for differently-abled/elderly passengers, cafes and restaurants, ATMs, and a childcare area. It also features duty-free shopping and a variety of dining options, providing a convenient and enjoyable experience for travellers.

The airport is well-connected to the city, with various transportation options available, including taxis, app-based ride-sharing services, and the Delhi Airport Express Metro, which provides a convenient and cost-effective way to reach the city centre.

Safdarjung Airport, Satya Sadan

Delhi, India's capital city, has two airports that make travelling more efficient. One of them is the Safdarjung Airport, Satya Sadan, a historical airport with significant importance. Here is some detailed information about the airport:

History and Location

Safdarjung Airport, located 3.8 km from New Delhi, was established during the British Raj as Willingdon Airfield in 1929. It was India's second airport after the Juhu Aerodrome in Mumbai. The airport was renamed Safdarjung after nearby Safdarjung's Tomb, which serves as its backdrop.

Operations

The airport has a single terminal building that handles all flights. It is used mainly for VVIP helicopter passenger flights to the Indira Gandhi International Airport, including the President and Prime Minister. Small aircraft of state chief ministers, such as those from Punjab and Haryana, also use the airport, resulting in 80 to 90 helicopter movements every month.

Services and Amenities

The airport offers various services and amenities, including a childcare area and the availability of strollers. It is also home to the Delhi Flying Club, which was established in 1928 and now offers aircraft maintenance courses.

Security and Emergency Use

In 2002, the government closed the airport for all public flying activities due to security considerations. Since then, it has been used as an emergency getaway for the President and Prime Minister, who also receive send-offs from dignitaries here before foreign trips.

Accidents and Incidents

Safdarjung Airport has been the site of several accidents and incidents. In 1970, a Douglas DC-3 aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff, resulting in five fatalities out of sixteen people onboard. In 1980, Sanjay Gandhi died in an air crash near the airport while flying a new aircraft from the Delhi Flying Club. During 1971-72, a training aircraft crashed, killing two pilots.

Terminal 1 (T1) handles domestic flights

T1 offers a seamless travel experience for domestic travellers, providing modern amenities, diverse dining options, and efficient connectivity. The terminal is equipped with essential services such as ATM and cash machines, currency exchange counters, and assistance for differently-abled and elderly passengers. Additionally, travellers can take advantage of the baggage wrapping services, lost and found baggage assistance, and a childcare area with stroller availability.

Indira Gandhi International Airport is renowned for its state-of-the-art infrastructure, catering to both domestic and international flights. The airport is a bustling gateway, facilitating seamless travel for millions of passengers annually. Terminal 1 plays a crucial role in handling domestic air traffic, ensuring efficient and convenient travel within India.

The airport's address is New Delhi, Delhi 110037, and it is easily accessible from various parts of the city. It is well-connected by road, and travellers can avail themselves of transportation options like taxis, app-based ride-sharing services, and the Delhi Airport Express Metro for easy access to and from the city centre.

Terminal 2 (T2) handles domestic flights

Terminal 2 (T2) of Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, India, is a bustling hub for domestic flights. It was inaugurated on 1 May 1986 and underwent a significant upgrade in 2017 to enhance its infrastructure and facilities. T2 is strategically located close to Terminal 3 (T3) and offers a seamless connection through a direct pedestrian walkway. This terminal is designed to provide a relaxed and comfortable experience for travellers, featuring a small food court, select retail outlets, and an upscale airport lounge.

T2 is equipped with ample check-in counters, X-ray machines, baggage reclaim belts, and aerobridges to ensure a smooth and convenient journey for its passengers. The terminal is served by various budget airlines, including IndiGo and SpiceJet, catering to domestic travel within India. It is recommended that passengers arrive at T2 at least two hours before their domestic flight's scheduled departure to allow sufficient time for check-in and security procedures.

To commute to and from T2, Delhi Airport provides a complimentary shuttle service between the terminals. Additionally, taxi services, app-based cabs, and car rentals are readily available for travellers. The Delhi Metro is also accessible, with the nearest station being the Airport Express or Orange Line, which connects to the New Delhi station.

T2 plays a crucial role in facilitating domestic air travel in India, offering efficiency and comfort to travellers flying within the country. With its modern amenities and convenient location, T2 ensures a seamless travel experience for millions of passengers each year.

Terminal 3 (T3) handles international and domestic flights

Terminal 3 (T3) is the newest terminal at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport, having opened in 2010. It is one of the biggest terminals in the world, capable of handling 40 million passengers per year. T3 is the main terminal, handling both international and domestic flights.

The terminal consists of five levels, each split into international and domestic areas. The arrivals area is divided into domestic and international piers, with passengers finding access to transportation options and other services. The departures area is also separated into international and domestic gates. The boarding gates are distributed as follows:

• Domestic Departures concourse: Section C (gates 27-36), Section D (37-41 and 42-62).
• International Departures concourse: Section A (gates 1-3 and 4-14), Section B (gates 15-26).

T3 houses several airport lounges, including the Encalm Lounge, Encalm Lounge Privé Lounge, The Emirates Lounge, Air India Maharajah Lounge, and The Centurion Lounge. Additionally, there is a food court and the Transit Hotel, which caters to both international and domestic travellers.

Transferring between terminals is made easy with an inter-terminal shuttle bus that connects T3 to Terminal 1 (T1) and Terminal 2 (T2). The shuttle service is free of charge and operates every 20 minutes.

Frequently asked questions