Delhi Airport: Is It Really In New Delhi?

is delhi airport in new delhi

Indira Gandhi International Airport, often referred to as Delhi Airport, is located in Palam, Delhi, and sprawls over 5,100 acres of land. It is India's largest and most advanced airport, serving the country's capital city. Delhi Airport is among the busiest airports in the world in terms of cargo and passenger traffic, serving over 62 million passengers in 2019. It is approximately 16 kilometres from the centre of New Delhi and is well-connected by road, with various transportation options available. The airport has multiple terminals catering to domestic and international flights, offering a seamless travel experience with modern amenities, diverse dining options, and efficient connectivity.

Characteristics Values
Airport Name Indira Gandhi International Airport
Airport Code DEL
Location Palam, Delhi
Distance from New Delhi Railway Station 15 km
Distance from City Centre 16 km
Distance from Agra Airport 233 km
Other Nearby Airports Jaipur International Airport, Jolly Grant Airport, Chandigarh International Airport
Terminals 3
Area Over 5,100 acres
Airlines Air India, IndiGo, ANA
Services Meet and assist, concierge service, baggage assistance, buggy service, luggage storage, medical care, wheelchairs, assistance for disabled passengers, facilities for pregnant women, beauty services, lounges, duty-free shopping, dining options, transportation services, free Wi-Fi
Awards Best Airport in the World by the Airports Council International in 2015
Notable Achievements India's first airport to run entirely on hydropower and solar energy

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Indira Gandhi International Airport

The airport offers a seamless travel experience with efficient baggage handling, comfortable lounges, duty-free shopping, diverse dining options, and convenient transportation services. It also provides medical care, wheelchairs, and other special assistance for disabled passengers, facilities for pregnant women, beauty services, luggage storage, and more. The airport has a variety of posh lounges, including the Plaza Premium Lounge, the Air India "Maharaja" Lounge, and the ITC Green Lounge. The Holiday Inn Express New Delhi International Airport T3 hotel is located at Terminal 3, providing a convenient option for travellers with delayed or cancelled flights.

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Delhi Airport facilities and services

Delhi Airport, officially known as Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), is located in Palam, Delhi, and sprawls over more than 5,100 acres of land. It is India's largest and most advanced airport, serving as the primary gateway to the country and connecting it to major cities worldwide. The airport is approximately 15 km from the New Delhi Railway Station and 16 km from the city centre.

Facilities and Services

Delhi Airport offers a range of facilities and services to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for its passengers. Here are some of the key offerings:

  • Efficient Baggage Handling: The airport provides efficient and streamlined baggage handling services, making the check-in and retrieval processes convenient for travellers.
  • Comfortable Lounges: There are several comfortable and posh lounges available at the airport, including the Plaza Premium Lounge, Air India "Maharaja" Lounge, ITC Green Lounge, and Encalm Lounge. These lounges offer various amenities, such as snacks, drinks, TV, Wi-Fi, newspapers, and magazines, ensuring passengers can relax or stay connected before their flights.
  • Duty-Free Shopping: Passengers can indulge in duty-free shopping at the airport, offering a range of shopping options to browse and purchase from.
  • Diverse Dining Options: Delhi Airport boasts a wide variety of dining options, including restaurants, fast food options, and food stores, catering to different tastes and preferences.
  • Transportation Services: The airport provides convenient transportation services, making it easy for passengers to travel to and from the airport.
  • Medical Care and Special Assistance: Delhi Airport offers medical care facilities and special assistance for passengers with reduced mobility, pregnant women, and disabled passengers, ensuring their comfort and safety.
  • Luggage Storage: Passengers can safely store their luggage at the airport for at least 30 days, providing peace of mind during their travels.
  • Hotels: For delayed or cancelled flights, passengers can stay at the Holiday Inn Express New Delhi International Airport T3, located within the airport premises. Additionally, there are several nearby hotels, such as Vivanta New Delhi, JW Marriott Hotel New Delhi Aerocity, and Hotel Novotel New Delhi Aerocity, offering convenient accommodation options.
  • Prayer Room: A dedicated prayer room is available at Terminal 1, providing a calm space for passengers of all faiths to pray or meditate.
  • Smoking Areas: Designated smoking areas are scattered throughout the airport terminals, catering to smokers' needs.
  • Other Amenities: Delhi Airport also offers telecommunication services, gifts and souvenirs, baggage wrap services, porter services, and visitor entry facilities. ATMs from various banks, including Yes Bank, Canara Bank, and Citibank, are also available for traveller convenience.

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Transport to and from the airport

Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), often referred to as Delhi Airport, is located in Palam, Delhi, and sprawls over more than 5,100 acres of area. It is about 15 km from the New Delhi Railway Station and 16 km from the city centre. It is India's largest and most advanced airport and is among the busiest in the world.

Delhi Airport is well-connected to the city by road, with the fastest and simplest method of transport being by car. The airport is less than 10 miles from the city centre, and the journey can take anywhere from under 20 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic. Pre-paid taxis are the most popular option for foreign visitors as they are regulated by the Delhi Traffic Police, and the fare can be paid upfront at a counter in the airport.

Public transportation options include the modern metro and city buses, costing less than a dollar to use. The Delhi Metro Airport Express train line, known as the Orange Line, runs from International Terminal 3 through the city until the New Delhi Metro Station, located next to the New Delhi Railway Station. Trains run from 5 am to 11:30 pm and depart every 10-15 minutes. The journey takes about 20-25 minutes, and passengers do not need to worry about traffic jams. However, the train only runs to Terminal 3, and Terminal 1 is much farther away. An inter-terminal shuttle bus connects the two terminals every 20 minutes, and Terminal 1 also has complimentary golf carts to move around.

Buses are commonly used by locals, but they can be confusing for those unfamiliar with the city or the bus system in India. Buses that make frequent stops are likely to fill up and take longer, and it is hard to predict traffic congestion. Therefore, it is recommended to give yourself a large time cushion if choosing to travel by bus.

Hotels often offer shuttle services for guests upon request, although this is a more expensive way to travel, costing $10 to $40.

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History of Delhi's airports

Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) is among the best and busiest airports in India. It is located in Palam, Delhi, and sprawls over more than 5,100 acres of land. The airport is about 15 km from the New Delhi Railway Station, and the city centre is about 16 km away.

The history of aviation in Delhi can be traced back to the establishment of the Safdarjung Airport, which was Delhi's first airport. It was used as a base for the Royal Indian Air Force during World War II to support Allied military operations in Asia. After Indian independence, the airport was taken over by the Indian Air Force. In 1962, commercial passenger operations were shifted from Safdarjung Airport to the newly established Palam Airport.

In the 1970s, with the boom in international travel, the Palam Airport underwent expansion, and a new international terminal (Terminal 2) was inaugurated on 2 May 1986. The airport was then renamed the Indira Gandhi International Airport, after the former Indian Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi.

In the early 2000s, Terminals 1 and 2 struggled to keep up with the exponential growth in aviation demand. In 2006, the government decided to hand over the management and construction of the airport to a private group, the Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) consortium, marking the beginning of Terminal 3. The construction of Terminal 3 took place from 2006 to 2010, and it was inaugurated in July 2010, increasing the airport's total passenger capacity by 34 million. Terminal 3 is the newest and largest terminal, handling both domestic and international flights.

Indira Gandhi International Airport is now India's largest and most advanced airport, with four runways and advanced systems like Airport Collaborative Decision Making (A-CDM) to manage timely take-offs and landings. The airport has won several accolades for its design and services, and in 2015, it was named the Best Airport in the World by the Airports Council International in the 25 to 40 million passenger capacity category.

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Other airports in Delhi

Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) is the primary international airport serving New Delhi, the capital of India, and the National Capital Region (NCR). The airport is located in Palam, Delhi, 15 km (9.3 mi) southwest of the New Delhi Railway Station and 16 km (9.9 mi) from the city centre. It is named after Indira Gandhi, the former Prime Minister of India.

Hindon Airport

Hindon Airport is another airport serving the NCR. It is much smaller than Indira Gandhi International Airport and primarily handles regional and domestic flights to major metro cities under the UDAN Scheme.

Safdarjung Airport

Safdarjung Airport was Delhi's first airport. It is now mainly used by VVIP helicopters and small charter helicopters due to its short runway.

Noida International Airport

Noida International Airport is currently under construction to offset the burgeoning traffic to Delhi.

Palam Airport

Palam Airport was established by the British Raj as a base for the Royal Indian Air Force during World War II. After Indian Independence, the Royal Indian Air Force, later renamed the Indian Air Force, took over the airport. In 1962, commercial passenger operations were relocated from Safdarjung Airport to Palam Airport.

Indira Gandhi International Airport is India's largest and most advanced airport. It is among the busiest airports in the world, serving over 62 million passengers in 2019 and nearly 40 million in the post-COVID travel recovery period. The airport has three terminals, with Terminal 3 being the newest and biggest, handling both domestic and international flights. It offers a range of amenities, including duty-free shopping, dining options, lounges, and efficient baggage handling.

Frequently asked questions

The airport in Delhi is called Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL).

The airport offers a range of facilities, including duty-free shopping, dining options, lounges, baggage assistance, free Wi-Fi, and medical care.

The airport has three terminals. Terminal 1 (T1) primarily handles domestic flights, Terminal 2 (T2) is used for some domestic flights, and Terminal 3 (T3) caters to both domestic and international flights.

The airport is approximately 15-16 kilometres from the city centre of New Delhi.

The airport is well-connected by road and offers various transportation options. Prepaid taxis, metered taxis, ride-shares, and airport shuttle services are available. Additionally, the airport is served by two metro lines: the Magenta Line and the Orange Line.

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