Delhi's IGI airport set for major upgrades: Terminal expansions, runway upgrade and T2 repairs

Delhi airport

Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) is up for a series of major infrastructure projects that will reshape the passenger experience in the coming months. From terminal upgrades to critical runway enhancement, these developments aim to boost capacity and improve efficiency.

T1 expansion & T2 closure

The expansion of Terminal 1, which will increase its capacity to handle four crore passengers annually, is set to be completed by March 15. After the security clearances, the upgraded terminal will be fully operational by April. This will allow the closure of Terminal 2 for essential repairs, including apron strengthening, new flooring, modernised washrooms, and upgraded boarding bridges at a cost of approximately Rs 80 crore.

Delhi International Airport Ltd. (DIAL) CEO Videh Kumar Jaipuriar said that T2 will continue to operate for now. The original plan to replace it with Terminal 4 (T4) has been delayed due to the expected opening of Jewar Airport this summer.

T3 expansion for international flights

Terminal 3 (T3), with 67,000 international passengers daily, is handling 20% more traffic than its current 2.4 crore annual passenger capacity (CPA), according to a Times of India report.

To address this, DIAL is converting one domestic pier at T3 for international use. It will eventually raise international capacity to 3.2 CPA. This project is expected to take 4-5 months, with the pier continuing to serve domestic passengers except during the final month of conversion.

To accommodate increased traffic, additional immigration counters and a repurposed security check setup will be introduced as well.

Runway 28 to be upgraded for foggy conditions

The Dwarka end of Runway 28/10 will undergo an upgrade to CAT IIIB standards, enabling aircraft to land in dense fog. Currently, the Shiv Murti-side runways (29L & 29R) face heavier fog, making operations challenging.

With this upgrade, Runway 28 will support low-visibility landings at both ends, improving winter flight operations.

Enhanced connectivity between terminals

With an increase in transfer passengers between T1 and T3 (7 km apart), DIAL will introduce more buses, alongside services by Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and others.

Dedicated bus-waiting lounges will be set up at both terminals, where passengers can collect coupons for transfer services. Airlines will also transfer checked-in baggage airside.

These multi-phase projects are expected to be completed within five months, ensuring Delhi Airport is better equipped to handle growing passenger demand before the next winter season.