Ruth Haines
The Indira Gandhi International Airport, often referred to as Delhi Airport, is located in Palam, Delhi, and serves as the primary airport for the city. It is one of the busiest airports in the world, with a seating capacity of over 3.6 million and handling over 77.8 million passengers in 2024. The airport boasts four runways and three terminals, offering a range of facilities and services for passengers, including efficient baggage handling, comfortable lounges, duty-free shopping, dining options, and convenient transportation services. With its recent accolades and commitment to sustainability, the Indira Gandhi International Airport is a notable aviation hub in India and beyond.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) |
| Location | 16 km southwest of the centre of New Delhi |
| Year of Construction | 1930 (Safdurjang Airport, Delhi's first airport) |
| Management | Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) |
| Size | 5,106 acres |
| Number of Terminals | 3 |
| Number of Runways | 4 |
| Seating Capacity | 3.6 million |
| Annual Passenger Handling Capacity | 77.8 million |
| Amenities | Duty-free shopping, dining options, lounges, free Wi-Fi, smoking zones |
| Transport Facilities | Airport shuttle, airport metro, cabs, taxis |
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What You'll Learn
The airport is named after Indira Gandhi
The airport serving Delhi, India's capital city, is named after Indira Gandhi. Officially known as the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI), it is located around 16 kilometres from the centre of New Delhi. It is India's largest and most advanced airport, as well as one of the busiest airports in Asia.
Indira Gandhi was a pivotal figure in Indian politics and played a significant role in shaping the country's destiny. She was the first female Prime Minister of India and served from 1966 to 1977 and again from 1980 until her assassination in 1984. She was renowned for her progressive policies and commitment to secularism, which aimed to unite India's diverse population.
The airport was previously known as Palam Airport, which was constructed during World War II and served as a base for the Royal Indian Air Force, later renamed the Indian Air Force. In 1962, commercial passenger operations were shifted from Safdarjung Airport, Delhi's first airport, to Palam Airport due to increasing air traffic.
Indira Gandhi International Airport has become a significant aviation hub, boasting four runways and multiple terminals catering to both domestic and international flights. It is known for its state-of-the-art facilities and services, offering a seamless travel experience to millions of passengers annually.
The airport is managed by Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), a consortium led by the GMR Group, which has transformed it into a world-class facility. With efficient baggage handling, comfortable lounges, duty-free shopping, diverse dining options, and convenient transportation services, Indira Gandhi International Airport ensures that travellers have a remarkable experience.
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It is one of the busiest airports in the world
The official name of Delhi's airport is the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI). It is one of the busiest airports in the world, ranking within the top 10 in 2022, 2023, and 2024.
In 2022, the airport was ranked as the ninth busiest airport in the world by Airports Council International (ACI), handling almost 59.5 million passengers. The following year, in 2023, it was ranked as the tenth busiest airport in the world by ACI, handling 72.2 million passengers. The airport retained its position within the top 10 busiest airports in the world in 2024, handling over 77.8 million passengers.
Delhi Airport has four near-parallel runways and three terminals catering to both domestic and international flights. Terminal 3 is the largest single terminal in India and the fifth-largest globally, with a capacity to handle 34 million passengers annually. The airport is equipped with modern amenities, efficient baggage handling, comfortable lounges, duty-free shopping, diverse dining options, and convenient transportation services, making it a key gateway for global travellers.
The airport's ranking as one of the busiest in the world underscores the rapid growth of India's aviation sector and the country's ambition to become a major centre for aviation with multiple hubs.
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$19.9
It has three terminals
The Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, India, has three terminals. Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 are used for domestic operations, while Terminal 3 caters to both domestic and international flights. Terminal 3, with five levels, also houses the Air India check-in counters and self-service facilities for check-in and baggage drop. It has an annual capacity of 34 million passengers and was the world's 8th largest passenger terminal when it opened in 2010.
Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 are approximately 8 kilometres apart, and passengers can avail of a cab or taxi to travel between the two. There is also a complimentary airport shuttle service that runs between the terminals every 20 minutes. The airport is served by two metro lines—the Magenta Line and the Orange Line—which run every 15 minutes. The metro station for Terminal 3 is located 1 kilometre away from the terminal.
Delhi Airport offers a range of facilities and services to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for passengers. These include efficient baggage handling, comfortable lounges, duty-free shopping, diverse dining options, and convenient transportation services. The airport also provides free Wi-Fi access across all terminals and designated smoking areas.
Indira Gandhi International Airport is India's largest and most advanced airport, renowned for its state-of-the-art facilities and services. It is a major aviation hub, serving as a gateway for both domestic and international flights. With its multiple terminals, modern amenities, and efficient connectivity, the airport offers a seamless travel experience for millions of passengers each year.
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It is served by two metro lines
The Indira Gandhi International Airport, located in Delhi, is served by two metro lines, namely the Magenta Line and the Orange Line. These lines provide efficient connectivity and convenient transportation services for travellers passing through the airport.
The Magenta Line and the Orange Line offer a seamless experience for passengers travelling to and from the airport, enhancing the overall accessibility of the airport. The metro lines run at frequent intervals, with a train available every 15 minutes, ensuring that passengers can easily reach their desired destinations without lengthy wait times.
The Airport Metro station is strategically located just 1 kilometre away from Terminal 3 of the Indira Gandhi International Airport, providing easy access for travellers. Terminal 1 (Airport Metro Station), Aerocity Metro Station, and Terminal 3 (Metro Station) are the three metro stations that serve the airport, offering multiple entry and exit points for added convenience.
The metro service provides a seamless connection between the airport and various locations across the city, making it a preferred choice for travellers. With its regular intervals and proximity to the airport terminals, the metro service ensures that passengers can efficiently navigate their way to their desired destinations, whether it's to catch a flight or reach their accommodation after arriving in Delhi.
The availability of two metro lines serving the Indira Gandhi International Airport showcases the airport's commitment to providing a comprehensive range of transportation options for its passengers. This efficient connectivity adds to the overall convenience and accessibility of the airport, making it a preferred gateway for travellers from around the world.
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It has four runways
The Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, India, is a bustling hub of aviation activity with a range of modern facilities and efficient services. Among its many notable features, one that stands out is its four runways, which contribute significantly to its capacity and efficiency.
The airport's four runways include an Eastern Cross Taxiway, a unique feature that sets it apart from other airports in India. This additional taxiway enhances the airport's ability to manage ground traffic and improve the overall flow of aircraft movements. With this configuration, Indira Gandhi International Airport can handle a higher volume of take-offs and landings, contributing to its reputation as one of the busiest airports in Asia.
The runways at Indira Gandhi International Airport are designed to accommodate various aircraft sizes and types. Two of the runways, runway 11R/29L and runway 11L/29R, are nearly parallel and offer clear paths for departing and arriving flights. Runway 11R/29L spans a length of 4,430 meters (14,530 feet) and a width of 60 meters (200 feet), while runway 11L/29R measures 4,400 meters (14,436 feet) in length and 45 meters (14 feet) in width. These dimensions allow for the smooth operation of a wide range of aircraft, from small private planes to large commercial jets.
In addition to these main runways, the airport also has a history that dates back to the pre-independence era. The 09/27 runway, constructed by the British, was the airport's first-ever runway and played a role during World War II. This runway, with a length of 2,816 meters (9,239 feet) and a width of 60 meters (200 feet), continues to serve the airport today, reminding us of the airport's rich historical context.
The presence of four runways at Indira Gandhi International Airport not only enhances its operational capacity but also contributes to efficient air traffic management. With multiple runways, the airport can handle simultaneous take-offs and landings, reducing delays and improving the overall punctuality of flights. This is particularly advantageous during peak travel times or when dealing with a high volume of air traffic.
Indira Gandhi International Airport's four runways play a crucial role in maintaining its status as a leading aviation hub in South Asia. By providing efficient ground operations, accommodating various aircraft, and improving air traffic management, these runways contribute to the overall exceptional travel experience that the airport strives to offer its passengers.
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Frequently asked questions
The name of the airport serving Delhi, India, is Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL). It is often referred to simply as Delhi Airport.
Delhi Airport has three terminals, with Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 used for domestic operations and Terminal 3 used for international and domestic operations. The airport offers lounges, duty-free shopping, dining options, and convenient transportation services. It also has free Wi-Fi across all terminals.
Delhi Airport was previously known as Palam Airport, which was established by the British Raj as a base for the Royal Indian Air Force during World War II. In 1962, commercial passenger operations were relocated to Palam Airport, and it officially became a passenger airport. The airport has since expanded with the addition of Terminal 3 in 2010, becoming India's and South Asia's largest aviation hub.
