IGI Airport Delhi: Latest Upgrades, Terminals, Airlines, Facilities & Real Estate Overview
Indira Gandhi International Airport, also known as IGI Airport or Delhi Airport, is one of the busiest and most important airports in India. Located in Palam, New Delhi, the airport covers more than 5,100 acres and handles millions of passengers every year. It is named after former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and is operated by Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), a consortium led by the GMR Group along with the Airports Authority of India, Fraport Germany, and Eraman Malaysia. Over the years, Delhi Airport has expanded its infrastructure, upgraded its terminals, and added new technologies to offer a smoother travel experience.
Today, IGI Airport is known for its world-class terminals, advanced safety systems, improved baggage handling, growing airline network, and excellent connectivity to all parts of Delhi NCR.
Terminals at Indira Gandhi International Airport
Delhi Airport operates through three main terminals – Terminal 1, Terminal 2, and Terminal 3. Each terminal is designed to manage different air traffic and provide specific facilities to passengers.
Terminal 1: Dedicated to Domestic Low-Cost Carriers
Terminal 1 caters mainly to domestic, low-cost airlines. After major expansion work, the terminal became operational on 15 April 2025. Its total area has increased from 55,740 sq mt to 206,950 sq mt. The terminal now provides both arrival and departure services under one building.
Key upgrades at Terminal 1 include the DigiYatra facial recognition system, more than 100 common-use kiosks for fast check-ins, and a baggage handling capacity of 6,000 bags per hour.
Terminal 2: Reopened in October 2025 After Renovation
Terminal 2 was closed in April 2025 for renovation and reopened on 25 October 2025. The upgraded terminal now handles up to 15 million passengers annually. The new design includes skylight ceilings, improved fire safety systems, better flooring, modern interiors, updated boarding bridges, and self-baggage drop counters.
The reopening of T2 has reduced the load on Terminal 3 and improved the flow of domestic flights.
Terminal 3: Main Terminal for Domestic and International Flights
Terminal 3 (T3) is the largest and most advanced terminal at Delhi Airport. Spread across 20 acres, it manages most international flights and some domestic operations. With around 168 check-in counters, almost 100 immigration counters, automated baggage handling, and a multi-level parking system, T3 provides a smooth travel experience for passengers.
It also houses several lounges, duty-free shops, restaurants, and passenger service centers.
Expansion of Terminal 3
Delhi Airport is currently working on expanding Terminal 3 to increase international handling capacity. One domestic pier (Pier C) is being converted into an international pier, which is expected to raise international capacity from 20 million to 32 million travellers annually. Due to this upgrade, Air India and Air India Express have shifted some domestic flights to Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.
A future plan includes building a new international pier, Pier E, expected to be completed by 2028.
Future Terminals: T4, T5, and T6
The airport authorities have proposed three new terminals – Terminal 4, Terminal 5, and Terminal 6. Once completed, most international flights will be shifted to these new terminals. Terminal 3 will then handle domestic flights only. This expansion aims to support Delhi’s rise as a major global aviation hub.
Airlines Operating at IGI Airport
Domestic Airlines
Delhi Airport is a major hub for leading Indian airlines such as:
IndiGo
Air India
Vistara
SpiceJet
GoFirst
GoAir
International Airlines
Some of the top global airlines flying from IGI Airport include:
Emirates
Qatar Airways
Air France
British Airways
KLM
Air Canada
LOT Polish Airlines
Connectivity to Indira Gandhi International Airport
Delhi Airport is well connected to different parts of Delhi NCR through cabs, buses, and the metro.
Travel Options
Cabs: App-based cabs like Uber, Ola, and Meru operate 24x7. Prepaid taxis and autos are also available outside the terminals.
Buses: DTC provides air-conditioned bus services connecting the airport to several major routes in Delhi.
Metro: The Airport Express Line (Orange Line) connects New Delhi Railway Station to Dwarka Sector 21 via the airport. The Magenta Line connects to Terminal 1.
Facilities Available at IGI Airport Delhi
Delhi Airport is equipped with numerous facilities that make travel easy and comfortable for passengers.
Key Passenger Services
ATMs from PNB, ICICI, Kotak, Yes Bank, and others
Pet Fly facility offering pet care, food bowls, transit support
Medical emergency rooms and wheelchair services for seniors and disabled travellers
Foreign exchange counters including Thomas Cook
Free Wi-Fi for all passengers
Kids’ daycare room open 24/7
Food courts, coffee shops, fast-food joints, and restaurants
BAGG TRAX RFID baggage tracking system
Premium lounges including ITC Green Lounge, Air India Maharaja Lounge, and Plaza Premium Lounge
Shopping at IGI Airport
Delhi Airport offers a wide range of shopping brands such as:
Shoppers Stop
Hamleys
Tommy Hilfiger
MAC Cosmetics
FabIndia
Skechers
Hidesign
Sunglass Hut
Choko La
Satya Paul
Metro Shoes
Parcos
Hotels Near Delhi Airport
| Hotel Name | Rating |
|---|---|
| JW Marriott Aerocity | 5 Star |
| Novotel New Delhi | 5 Star |
| Roseate House | 5 Star |
| Pullman Aerocity | 5 Star |
| Radisson Blu Plaza | 4 Star |
Real Estate and Property Investment Near IGI Airport
Localities around Delhi Airport have seen rising real estate demand due to strong connectivity, infrastructure upgrades, and increasing commercial development. Residential prices in these areas continue to grow as the airport expands and new transport links come up, including the proposed high-speed metro link connecting IGI Airport with Noida International Airport in Jewar.
Popular Residential Areas Near IGI Airport
| Locality | Distance from Airport | Price Range (per sq ft) |
|---|---|---|
| Vasant Kunj | 6.7 km | Rs 8,400 – Rs 13,400 |
| Shanti Niketan | 9.91 km | Rs 20,500 – Rs 35,600 |
| New Palam Vihar | 14.7 km | Rs 4,975 – Rs 13,084 |
| Dwarka | 11.2 km | Rs 6,800 – Rs 11,300 |
| Chhattarpur | 12.4 km | Rs 5,100 – Rs 8,300 |
These areas offer excellent social infrastructure, schools, malls, hospitals, and metro connectivity, making them strong real estate investment zones.
New Initiatives at Delhi Airport
Delhi Airport has introduced several new technologies to improve passenger convenience.
DigiYatra
A facial recognition-based system for quick entry and boarding. Passengers need to register on the DigiYatra app, upload ID proof, and add a selfie for seamless access.
AI-Based Flight Operations
Delhi Airport is the first in India to use artificial intelligence to manage aircraft landings, take-offs, and flight operations, launched in collaboration with Akasa Air.
Metro Check-in Facility
Air India passengers can check in luggage at New Delhi and Shivaji Stadium metro stations between 7 am and 9 pm. This service allows travellers to explore the city without carrying baggage.
Important Contact Information
Office Address: New Udaan Bhawan, Opposite Terminal 3, Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi – 110037
24x7 Customer Support: 0124-4797300, 0124-6838410
Flight Information Helpline: +91-011-61234567
Email: feedback.igiairport@gmrgroup.in
Conclusion - Indira Gandhi International Airport Delhi
Indira Gandhi International Airport Delhi is today one of India’s largest and most modern airports. With world-class terminals, strong airline connectivity, advanced facilities, expanding infrastructure, and excellent transport links, IGI Airport continues to play a major role in improving tourism, business travel, and property development in Delhi NCR. The airport’s ongoing upgrades and future expansion plans make the surrounding areas attractive for residential and commercial investment, creating long-term growth opportunities for homebuyers and investors.
