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Indira Gandhi International Airport (IATA: DEL, ICAO: VIDP) is the primary international airport serving New Delhi, India's capital, and the National Capital Region (NCR). The airport, named after Indira Gandhi, the former Prime Minister of India, 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. Covering an area of 5,106 acres (2,066 ha), it is India's busiest airport in terms of passenger traffic and has been recognised as the 'Best Airport' in the Asia-Pacific region.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) |
| Location | Palam, Delhi, India |
| Distance from New Delhi Railway Station | 15 km (9.3 mi) |
| Distance from New Delhi City Centre | 10 km, 16 km (9.9 mi) |
| Area | 5,106 acres (2,066 ha) |
| Named After | Indira Gandhi, former Prime Minister of India |
| Year of Inauguration | 1986 |
| Terminals | 3 |
| Runways | 4 |
| Cargo Terminals | 2 |
| Cargo Operations | Managed by Celebi Delhi Cargo Management India Pvt. Ltd. and DCSC |
| Wi-Fi Services | Complimentary |
| Awards | Best Airport in India & South Asia, Best Airport in the Asia-Pacific Region, Best Improved Airport in the Asia-Pacific Region |
| Notable Incidents | Indian Airlines Flight 440 crash in 1973, Air India Flight 123 engine failure in 1978, Air France Boeing 747 accident during takeoff in 1988, Air India Boeing 747 engine fire in 1990, Uzbekistan Airlines Tupolev Tu-154 fire in 1993, Sahara Airlines Boeing 737-2R4C crash in 1994 |
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What You'll Learn
Indira Gandhi International Airport is located in Palam, Delhi
The airport, which spans 5,106 acres (2,046 hectares), is the primary international airport serving New Delhi, the capital of India, and the National Capital Region (NCR). It is conveniently located about 10 kilometres from the city centre, with a high-speed metro rail connection and direct access to the national highway system.
Indira Gandhi International Airport has four runways and three passenger terminals. Terminal 1, the old Palam terminal, handles domestic flights. Terminal 2 is an international terminal, and Terminal 3, which opened in 2010, has an annual capacity of 34 million passengers. Terminal 3 forms the first phase of the airport's expansion, with plans for additional passenger and cargo terminals (Terminals 4, 5, and 6) in the future.
The airport offers a range of amenities, including duty-free shopping, dining options, and complimentary Wi-Fi. It is also recognised for its excellence, having been awarded the title of 'Best Airport' in the Asia-Pacific region by Skytrax for six consecutive years.
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It is 15km from the New Delhi Railway Station
Indira Gandhi International Airport is located in Palam, Delhi, 15km (9.3mi) southwest of New Delhi Railway Station. The airport is named after Indira Gandhi, the former Prime Minister of India. It is the country's busiest airport in terms of passenger traffic, handling over 79.2 million passengers in 2024-25. It is also India's primary international airport, serving New Delhi, the country's capital, and the National Capital Region (NCR).
The airport is spread over 5,106 acres (2,066 ha) and is known for its luxurious amenities, efficient security procedures, and convenient transit experience. It offers a range of facilities, including duty-free shopping, dining options, and a complimentary Wi-Fi service available in all terminals. Additionally, the airport provides important cargo services, with a cargo complex located 1km from Terminal 3.
Indira Gandhi International Airport has undergone significant development over the years. Terminal 2 was inaugurated in 1986, and the airport was renamed after the former prime minister. The construction of Terminal 3 further elevated the airport's status, making it India's and South Asia's largest and most important aviation hub. Terminal 3 is the world's eighth-largest passenger terminal, capable of handling 34 million passengers annually.
The airport is conveniently located, with easy access to the city centre. It is connected by a high-speed metro rail to the city centre and is just 16km (9.9 mi) from New Delhi's city centre. Taxis are also available at the airport, providing transportation to the city, although travellers should be aware of potential scams and long queues during rush hour.
Indira Gandhi International Airport has received numerous accolades for its excellence. It has been recognised as the ''Best Airport' in the Asia-Pacific region and has consistently ranked among the top global airports by Skytrax. The airport is committed to providing a seamless and stress-free travel experience for its passengers.
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The airport is 16km from the city centre
Indira Gandhi International Airport is located in Palam, Delhi, 16 km (9.9 miles) from the city centre. It is the primary international airport serving New Delhi, the capital of India, and the National Capital Region (NCR). The airport is named after Indira Gandhi, the former Prime Minister of India. It is one of the busiest airports in the country, handling a high volume of passenger and cargo traffic.
The airport is easily accessible from the city centre via a high-speed metro rail connection, and it is also connected to the national highway system. When travelling to the airport from the city centre, it is recommended to use the prepaid taxi booths operated by the Delhi Police to avoid scams. These taxis typically cost between ₹500-600, and it is important to be aware of common scams, such as drivers requesting additional payment. The journey to the airport can be quicker during non-rush hour times, especially at night.
Indira Gandhi International Airport has undergone significant improvements over the years, including the construction of Terminal 3 and the renovation of Terminal 2. The airport provides complimentary Wi-Fi across all its terminals, and passengers can enjoy a range of shopping and dining options. The airport also offers a seamless transit experience with streamlined check-in and security procedures.
The airport has a rich history, initially serving as an Air Force Station for the Indian Air Force during World War II. Passenger operations began in 1962, and the airport has since expanded to accommodate growing aviation demands. The inauguration of Terminal 2 in 1986 led to the airport being renamed after Indira Gandhi. Today, the airport is recognised as one of the best in the Asia-Pacific region, known for its excellence and timely operations.
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It is named after Indira Gandhi, former Prime Minister of India
Indira Gandhi International Airport is located in the Palam area of Delhi, the National Capital Territory of India. It is named after Indira Gandhi, a former Prime Minister of India.
The airport is situated southwest of the city, in the district of New Delhi, and is owned and operated by the Delhi International Airport Limited, a consortium of the GMR Group, the Airports Authority of India, and the Fraport AG. Indira Gandhi served as the Prime Minister of India from 1966 to 1977 and then again from 1980 until her assassination in 1984. She was the only female Prime Minister of India and played a crucial role in the country's politics and development. Naming the airport after her was a way to honor her legacy and contributions to the nation.
Indira Gandhi is known for her strong leadership and significant contributions to India's progress and unity. During her tenure, she implemented various economic and social reforms, promoted scientific progress, and worked towards establishing India as a leading voice in the international arena. Despite facing political controversies and challenges, she remains a revered figure in Indian history, admired for her courage, determination, and commitment to the nation.
By naming the airport after Indira Gandhi, India recognizes and celebrates her achievements and impact on the country. The airport serves as a gateway to the capital city of Delhi and is a vital hub for domestic and international travel, connecting India to the world. This busy transportation hub, named after a powerful female leader, stands as a testament to her enduring legacy and influence on modern India.
The airport, with its association with Indira Gandhi's name, serves as a reminder of her significant contributions to the country and her role in shaping India's destiny. It is a fitting tribute to a leader who dedicated her life to the service of the nation, and her name continues to inspire and influence generations to come.
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It is India's busiest airport in terms of passenger traffic
Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) is the primary international airport serving New Delhi, India's capital, and the National Capital Region (NCR). Named after Indira Gandhi, the former Prime Minister of India, it 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.
Indira Gandhi International Airport has been the busiest airport in India in terms of passenger traffic since 2009. In the financial year of 2024–25, the airport handled over 7.92 crore (79.2 million) passengers, the highest in its history. As of 2025, it is the ninth-busiest airport in the world, according to rankings issued by the UK-based air consultancy firm OAG.
The airport, spread over an area of 5,106 acres (2,066 ha), has undergone significant improvements with the construction of Terminal 3 and the renovation of Terminal 2. Terminal 3 features India's first automated parking management system in a multi-level car park, with a capacity of 4,300 cars. The airport also offers a range of amenities, including lounges, duty-free shopping, dining options, and a luxury hotel.
Indira Gandhi International Airport is well-connected, serving as a hub for various airlines and providing direct connections to numerous domestic and international destinations. It was the first airport in India to connect directly to 150 airports or destinations, including a recent direct flight between Delhi and Bangkok's Don Mueang airport.
The airport has also received recognition for its achievements, being awarded the "Best Airport in the World" in 2015 by the Airports Council International and "Best Airport in India and South Asia" by the Skytrax World Airport Awards for four consecutive years. Additionally, it became the first airport in India to operate entirely on solar and hydropower.
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Frequently asked questions
Indira Gandhi International Airport is located in Palam, Delhi, India.
The airport is 15-16km (9.3-9.9 miles) from the city centre of New Delhi.
The airport is connected to the city centre by high-speed metro rail. You can also take a prepaid taxi, which will cost around ₹500-600.
Indira Gandhi Airport is the busiest airport in India in terms of passenger traffic and has been since 2009. It is the second busiest in terms of cargo traffic.
The airport has shops and restaurants, and free Wi-Fi is available in all terminals.
