Owais Crawford
The Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) in New Delhi is India's busiest airport in terms of passenger and cargo traffic. It is spread over 5,106 acres and is situated in Palam, Delhi. The airport was initially named Palam Airport after the suburb of the same name and was renamed in 1986 after India's former prime minister, Indira Gandhi. The airport has won several awards, including the No. 1 Airport in Airports Council International's Airport Service Quality Awards in 2014. The SDF number refers to the Air Suvidha Self Declaration form, which was required for international arrivals to India prior to November 22, 2022. This form could be accessed and submitted through the New Delhi IGI Airport website.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) Airport |
| Location | Palam, Delhi, 15 km (9.3 mi) southwest of the New Delhi Railway Station and 16 km (9.9 mi) from the city centre |
| Area | 5,106 acres (2,066 ha) |
| Named After | Indira Gandhi (1917–1984), the former Prime Minister of India |
| Year of Inauguration | 1962 (as Palam Airport) |
| Renamed Year | 1986 |
| Terminals | 3 |
| Airlines | SpiceJet, IndiGo, Jet Airways, Etihad, British Airways, Lufthansa Airlines, Air France |
| Destinations | Dubai, London, Singapore, Abu Dhabi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bhopal, Siliguri |
| Leisure Services | Travelers’ lounges, special rooms for children, strollers, medical facilities, parking slots for physically challenged travelers, luggage trolleys, ATMs, free Wi-Fi, travel insurance booth, refreshments, in-house transit hotel |
| Forms | Air Suvidha Self Declaration Form |
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What You'll Learn
- The SDF number is linked to a negative RT-PCR test result
- The Air Suvidha Self Declaration form must be submitted 72 hours before a flight
- Delhi Airport is also known as Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA)
- The airport has two terminals for domestic traffic and one large terminal for international flights
- The airport has an in-house transit hotel and nearby budget hotels
The SDF number is linked to a negative RT-PCR test result
The SDF number is a crucial component of the travel process for anyone planning to fly to Delhi, India. The Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI Airport), named after India's former Prime Minister, is the primary international airport serving New Delhi, India's capital. It is India's busiest airport in terms of passenger and cargo traffic, handling 79.2 million passengers in the 2024-25 financial year.
Upon receiving a negative RT-PCR test result, travellers can obtain an SDF number and proceed to submit the required forms. The negative RT-PCR test result must be obtained within 72 hours before the flight's departure. The SDF number and the negative RT-PCR test result are then submitted through the Air Suvidha platform, hosted on the official website of Delhi IGI Airport. This process must be completed within 72 hours prior to the journey to India.
It is important to note that the Air Suvidha form submission process may vary depending on the traveller's country of origin and the specific requirements at the time of travel. Travellers are advised to stay updated with the latest guidelines provided by the Indian government and the Delhi airport authorities. Additionally, it is recommended to take 2-3 colour printouts of the PDF confirmation received after successful form submission, as this may be required during boarding and upon arrival.
The SDF number and the associated negative RT-PCR test result are crucial steps in ensuring a smooth travel experience and adhering to the health and safety protocols implemented by the Indian authorities. These measures are designed to protect travellers and local communities alike, helping to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and its variants.
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The Air Suvidha Self Declaration form must be submitted 72 hours before a flight
The Air Suvidha Self Declaration form must be submitted via the Air Suvidha portal at least 72 hours before a flight to India. The form can be accessed via the website of New Delhi IGI Airport, with a dropdown menu that allows users to access the form, edit a submitted form, or track the application status.
The form requires travellers to provide basic information, including their contact number, passport number, PNR, flight/tail number, and other details. It is mandatory to provide a valid and functional Indian phone number. Passengers are liable for criminal acts under the Indian Penal Code and the Civil Protection Act if this information is found to be incorrect. Travellers are also required to upload a copy of their passport, a negative RT-PCR certificate of a test conducted no more than 72 hours before departure, and a vaccination certificate.
Upon successful submission of the self-declaration form, travellers will receive an email confirmation with a PDF attachment. It is recommended that travellers take 2-3 colour printouts of the PDF as the hard copy may be required during boarding and upon arrival. The printouts can help expedite the boarding process and reduce inbound traffic congestion in the arrival area of entry airports.
The Air Suvidha portal was launched in August 2020 and allows international passengers to apply online for exemption from the mandatory institutional quarantine process in certain categories. The five conditions for exemption include pregnancy, serious illness, death in the family, travelling with a child below 10 years, or having a negative RT-PCR report of a test conducted a maximum of 96 hours before the journey.
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Delhi Airport is also known as Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA)
Delhi Airport, officially known as Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA), is the primary international airport serving New Delhi, India's capital, and the National Capital Region (NCR). The airport is named after Indira Gandhi, former Prime Minister of India, and is spread over an area of 5,106 acres. As of 2025, it is the ninth-busiest airport in the world and the busiest in India in terms of passenger and cargo traffic.
Indira Gandhi International Airport has three terminals, with Terminal 3 being the main terminal where all international flights operate. Terminal 1 is the old domestic airport, divided into separate buildings 1A, 1B, and 1C. Blocks 1A and 1B handle international operations, while domestic operations take place in Block 1C. Terminal 2 handles special flights and some domestic flights. The airport has excellent global connectivity and is well-connected to major transit hubs such as Singapore Changi Airport and Dubai International Airport.
The airport offers a range of amenities and facilities to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for travellers. These include efficient baggage handling, comfortable lounges, duty-free shopping, diverse dining options, and convenient transportation services. The airport also provides complimentary Wi-Fi service in all terminals and has implemented an advanced system called Airport Collaborative Decision Making (A-CDM) to ensure timely and predictable takeoffs and landings.
Indira Gandhi International Airport has undergone significant developments over the years. In 2010, Terminal 3 became operational, making the airport India's and South Asia's largest aviation hub. In 2022, Delhi International Airport became the first in India to be entirely powered by hydropower and solar energy. The airport also houses India's first general aviation terminal, catering to passengers travelling by chartered flights or private jets.
The airport is committed to providing a seamless and stress-free journey for its passengers. With its efficient processes, range of amenities, and focus on sustainability, Delhi Airport, or Indira Gandhi International Airport, serves as a gateway to the world for travellers visiting or departing from New Delhi and its surrounding regions.
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The airport has two terminals for domestic traffic and one large terminal for international flights
Indira Gandhi International Airport (IATA: DEL, ICAO: VIDP) is the primary international airport serving New Delhi, India. It is named after Indira Gandhi, the former Prime Minister of India. The airport is situated 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.
The airport has three terminals in total: two for domestic traffic (Terminal 1) and one large terminal for international flights (Terminal 2). Terminal 1, located 8 km from Terminal 3, serves domestic carriers and has recently been revamped. It now has a modern and spacious layout, covering 190,000 square meters, with state-of-the-art facilities, retail outlets, dining options, and an upscale lounge. Terminal 3 (T3), which opened in 2010, serves both international and domestic flights. It is one of the largest and busiest terminals in India, spread over 5.4 million square feet. T3 has a capacity of 34 million passengers annually and offers world-class services across six levels.
In 1962, commercial passenger operations were relocated from Safdarjung Airport, Delhi's first airport, to Palam Airport (now Terminal 1). In 1986, an additional international terminal, Terminal 2, was constructed, leading to the airport being renamed as Indira Gandhi International Airport. Terminal 2 was later closed down, and in 2010, Terminal 3 was inaugurated to ease traffic congestion and in preparation for the 2010 Commonwealth Games.
In addition to passenger terminals, the airport also has separate brownfield and greenfield cargo terminals. The brownfield terminal is managed by Celebi Delhi Cargo Management India Pvt. Ltd., a joint venture between Delhi International Airport Private Ltd (DIAL) and a Turkish company. A new greenfield terminal is being developed in phases by the Delhi Cargo Service Centre, another joint venture by DIAL and Cargo Service Centre.
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The airport has an in-house transit hotel and nearby budget hotels
Indira Gandhi International Airport (IATA: DEL, ICAO: VIDP), named after former Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi, is the primary international airport serving New Delhi, the capital of India, and the National Capital Region (NCR). The airport is situated in Palam, Delhi, 15 kilometres from the New Delhi Railway Station and 16 kilometres from the city centre. It is India's busiest airport in terms of passenger and cargo traffic.
The airport has an in-house transit hotel, the Holiday Inn Express New Delhi International Airport T3, which is conveniently located inside Terminal 3. The hotel offers day rates for passengers looking to freshen up or get some rest before their next flight. The hotel features modern design and comfortable facilities, including a 24-hour fitness centre and a spa offering therapeutic treatments. Guests can enjoy complimentary Express Start Breakfast and free Wi-Fi. Check-in is at 2:00 PM, and check-out is at 12:00 PM.
Passengers eligible to stay at the Holiday Inn Express must have a departure flight from Terminal 3 within 24 hours of arrival at the airport. For the international wing, guests must have a boarding pass for their next international flight, and their baggage must be checked through to the final destination. The hotel permits a maximum of one night's stay due to government regulations, and guests are not allowed to leave the hotel premises once they check in.
For those seeking budget-friendly options, there are a couple of nearby airport hotels located less than 1 kilometre away from the airport complex. The Airport Hotel Aerocity Inn is a 2-star hotel that offers amenities such as air conditioning, private bathrooms, TV, and towels. Confirmed guests can also avail themselves of pick-up and drop-off services for a small surcharge. The hotel's proximity to street markets and metro stations makes it an attractive option for those with short stays in Delhi.
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Frequently asked questions
The SDF number is provided after submitting a negative RT-PCR test result to the Air Suvidha portal. This is a requirement for travel to India.
Air Suvidha is a self-declaration form that must be filled out by travellers flying into Delhi Airport. This form can be accessed via the Delhi IGI Airport website.
You will need to provide your contact number, passport number, PNR, flight/tail number, and other details.
Delhi Airport is officially known as Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA).
