Delhi Airport’s Terminal 1 to resume operations on August 17

The Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) has announced that Terminal 1 (T1) of the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport will be fully operational from August 17, 2024. The terminal was shut operations on June 28 because of the partial collapse of a canopy at the old departure forecourt of T1 during heavy rains, which tragically resulted in the death of one person and injuries to at least six others.

In a statement, DIAL emphasised that the opening of the new T1 is expected to alleviate the pressure on the airport’s other two terminals, T2 and T3. The new terminal was developed as part of the phase 3A expansion project by DIAL, a consortium led by the GMR Group, and aims to offer enhanced facilities and an improved travel experience for passengers.

As per the plan, SpiceJet will shift their 13 flights to Terminal 1 from August 17, and subsequently IndiGo will move back their 34 flights from T2 and T3 to T1, from September 02, 2024.

Videh Kumar Jaipuriar, CEO, DIAL said, “The state-of-the-art T1 will significantly boost capacity, easing pressure on T2 and T3. Passengers can expect a smoother travel experience with improved amenities and advanced technology.”

All passengers flying by SpiceJet flights will have to enter through Entry Gate A, on the ground floor. Passengers taking IndiGo flights will have to enter the new terminal through Entry Gates 5 and 6 on the first floor. All arrivals will be handled on the ground floor.

The expansion work of the terminal was carried out in accordance with the Master Plan 2016. The redesigned apron, which now features 82 Code C stands and a dual taxiway, is expected to enhance air traffic flow, allow for faster aircraft turnaround, and improve safety. Code C generally refers to narrow-body planes, commonly used by airlines operating domestic flights.

The new T1 terminal was officially inaugurated in March 2024, marking a significant milestone in IGI Airport’s ongoing expansion and modernization efforts.