Delhi's Domestic Airports: How Many Are There?

Delhi, the capital of India, has two airports: Indira Gandhi International Airport and Safdarjung Airport. The former is the primary international airport serving the city and the National Capital Region (NCR), while the latter is a smaller, historical airport that now primarily serves VVIP helicopters and small charter helicopters. Indira Gandhi International Airport is the busiest airport in India in terms of passenger and cargo traffic, handling over 73 million passengers in the 2023-24 financial year. It has three terminals, with Terminal 1 serving domestic flights and Terminals 2 and 3 serving a mix of domestic and international flights.

Indira Gandhi International Airport is the primary airport in Delhi

Indira Gandhi International Airport (IATA: DEL, ICAO: VIDP) is the primary airport serving Delhi, the capital of India. Named after the former Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi, the airport is located in Palam, 15-16 km from the New Delhi Railway Station and the city centre. It is the busiest airport in India in terms of passenger and cargo traffic, handling over 73.6 million passengers in the 2023-24 financial year.

Indira Gandhi International Airport is spread across 5,106 acres and consists of four near-parallel runways, with the most recent one being inaugurated in July 2023. The airport has three passenger terminals, with Terminal 1 catering to domestic flights of low-cost airlines, and Terminals 2 and 3 serving both domestic and international flights. Terminal 3, which began operations in 2010, is one of the biggest terminals in the world, with the capacity to handle 34 million passengers annually.

The airport offers a range of amenities, including lounges, Wi-Fi, dining options, duty-free shopping, and transportation options such as taxis and the metro. It is well-connected to the city by road and rail, with the Delhi Airport Metro Express providing a direct link to the New Delhi Railway Station. Indira Gandhi International Airport is also recognised for its excellent cargo handling system, receiving an award for it in 2007.

In addition to being the primary airport in Delhi, Indira Gandhi International Airport has also received several accolades. It was ranked as the second-best airport in the category of 25-40 million passengers by the Airport Council International in 2013. It was also awarded the "Best Airport" in Asia-Pacific in 2020 by the Airports Council International and recognised for its cleanliness and service quality in 2022 and 2023.

Terminal 1 is the oldest terminal, used for domestic flights

Terminal 1, the oldest terminal at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, is dedicated to handling domestic flights. It is comprised of several buildings for both arrivals and departures, including T1C (arrivals) and T1D (departures). Terminal 1 is used by low-cost domestic carriers such as SpiceJet and IndiGo.

Terminal 1D, a newly built terminal for domestic departures, was inaugurated in February 2009, with the goal of enhancing its annual passenger handling capacity from 1.8 crore to 4 crore. The terminal has 72 Common Use Terminal Equipment (CUTE)-enabled check-in counters, 16 self-check-in counters, and 16 security channels. The security lanes have been improved with facial recognition and automated tray systems to reduce queuing times.

The domestic flight section witnesses Indian Airlines domestic flights, Alliance Air flights, and private airlines like Air Deccan, Kingfisher, Jet Airways, and Go Air. Terminal 1C operates both domestic and international flights and is equipped with a larger luggage reclaim area.

Terminal 1 is approximately 6 km away from Terminal 3, and passengers can use the free airport shuttle service to travel between the two terminals.

Terminal 2 also handles domestic flights

Delhi, the capital city of India, has two airports: Indira Gandhi International Airport and Safdarjung Airport. The former is the primary international airport serving New Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR), while the latter is a historical airport established during the British era.

Indira Gandhi International Airport is named after the former Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi, and is spread over an area of 5,106 acres. It is located in Palam, Delhi, about 15-16 kilometres from the New Delhi Railway Station and the city centre. This airport is the busiest in India in terms of passenger and cargo traffic, handling over 73 million passengers in the 2023-24 financial year.

The airport has three actively scheduled passenger terminals (Terminal 1, Terminal 2, and Terminal 3) and a cargo terminal. Terminal 1, the oldest terminal, handles domestic flights from low-cost carriers such as SpiceJet and IndiGo. Terminal 2 also handles domestic flights and can accommodate up to 12 million passengers per year. It was opened in 1986 and used for international flights until 2010 when operations shifted to Terminal 3. Terminal 3, a two-tier building, serves both domestic and international flights and has a capacity of 34 million passengers annually. It offers various amenities, including lounges, medical facilities, prayer rooms, children's rooms, and duty-free shopping.

To summarise, while Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 primarily handle domestic and international flights, respectively, Terminal 2 also handles domestic flights in addition to occasionally serving international routes during high demand.

Terminal 3 operates both domestic and international flights

Terminal 3 of Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, India, is a hub of activity, serving both domestic and international flights. As one of the largest terminals in the world, it offers a seamless travel experience for passengers travelling within India or abroad. Here's a detailed overview of Terminal 3 and its operations:

Terminal 3 – A Gateway to the World

Terminal 3, located about 9 kilometres from Terminal 1, is a sprawling complex with an area of 540,000 square feet, making it one of the biggest terminals globally. It boasts two tiers, with the lower floor dedicated to arrivals and the upper floor catering to departures. This terminal is a testament to modern architecture and efficient design, with 168 check-in counters, 78 aerobridges, 54 parking bays, and 95 immigration counters to facilitate the movement of travellers. The terminal also features 18 X-ray screening areas, ensuring security is a top priority.

Efficient and Comfortable Travel

The terminal is designed to provide a comfortable and convenient travel experience. It offers a range of lounges, including smoking lounges, a prayer room, a children's room, and even nap and massage areas. For those who enjoy shopping, Terminal 3 houses a variety of duty-free shops and branded outlets. When it comes to dining, travellers can choose from a wide range of eateries and restaurants catering to various tastes and cuisines.

Accessibility and Convenience

Terminal 3 is easily accessible from Delhi via a well-connected eight-lane motorway and the Delhi Mass Rapid Transit System. It also has India's first automated parking management system, with a multi-level parking structure that can accommodate 6,300 cars across seven levels. Additionally, shuttle services are available between Terminals 1 and 3, ensuring a smooth transition for passengers with connecting flights.

Airlines and Destinations

Terminal 3 is a bustling hub for numerous airlines, including Air India, Air Mauritius, All Nippon Airways, Austrian Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, China Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, Etihad Airways, and many more. These airlines connect Delhi to a vast range of global destinations, such as Abu Dhabi, Bangkok, Frankfurt, London, Singapore, Sydney, Tokyo, and Zurich, to name a few.

Handling High Passenger Volume

With the capacity to handle 36 million passengers annually, Terminal 3 plays a crucial role in managing the high volume of air traffic passing through Indira Gandhi International Airport. This terminal, along with Terminals 1 and 2, ensures that Delhi's airport can efficiently accommodate the ever-growing number of travellers, solidifying its position as one of the busiest airports in the world.

In summary, Terminal 3 of Indira Gandhi International Airport is a bustling hub of activity, offering a seamless travel experience for both domestic and international travellers. With its modern amenities, efficient design, and convenient accessibility, Terminal 3 embodies the dynamic nature of Delhi's aviation industry, catering to the diverse needs of travellers from all over the world.

Safdarjung Airport is the second airport in Delhi

Delhi, the capital of India, has two airports: Indira Gandhi International Airport and Safdarjung Airport. The former is the primary international airport serving the city and the latter is the second airport in Delhi.

History of Safdarjung Airport

The Safdarjung Airport, located 3.8 km away from New Delhi, was established during the British rule in 1929 as Willingdon Airfield. It was Delhi's main airport until 1962 when the Palam Airport (now Indira Gandhi International Airport) was inaugurated. The airport was used during World War II and the Indo-Pakistan War of 1947. The Delhi Flying Club was established in 1928 at the Safdarjung Airport with two de Haviland Moth aircraft named Delhi and Roshanara.

In 2001, the airport was closed for security reasons following the 9/11 attacks. Currently, the Safdarjung Airport is used for VVIP helicopter rides to Indira Gandhi International Airport. The Ministry of Civil Aviation and the headquarters of the Airports Authority of India (AAI) are located at the Safdarjung Airport.

Indira Gandhi International Airport

Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) is the busiest airport in India in terms of passenger and cargo traffic. It is also the second-busiest airport in the world by seating capacity and the busiest airport in Asia by passenger traffic. The airport is spread over an area of 5,106 acres and is located 16 km from the city centre.

IGI has three passenger terminals, one cargo terminal, and a commercial hub called Aerocity. Terminal 1 is used for domestic flights of low-cost airlines, Terminal 2 handles domestic flights, and Terminal 3 operates both domestic and international flights. Terminal 3 is the biggest terminal at IGI and is considered one of the biggest terminals in the world. It has an area of 540,000 square feet and can handle 36 million passengers annually.

Safdarjung Airport, Delhi's second airport, holds historical significance and plays a crucial role in the city's aviation industry. On the other hand, Indira Gandhi International Airport, with its advanced infrastructure and high passenger volume, is a key hub for both domestic and international travel in India.

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