Welcome to your essential guide to Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), the busiest airport in India and a primary gateway to and from the country. As the main hub for airlines like Air India and IndiGo, DEL handles tens of millions of passengers every year. Navigating this bustling airport can be an intense experience, but this guide provides clear, practical information on its terminals, transfers, and transportation to help your journey go smoothly.
Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL)
| Feature | Details |
| IATA Code | DEL |
| Location | Palam, Delhi, India |
| Terminals | 3 (Terminal 1, Terminal 2, Terminal 3) |
| Official Website | newdelhiairport.in |
| Operator | Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) |
Understanding Delhi’s Terminals
DEL has three main terminals that are located in two different areas, so it’s crucial to know which one your flight uses.
- Terminal 1 (T1): This terminal is exclusively for domestic flights operated by low-cost carriers. It primarily handles departures and arrivals for IndiGo and SpiceJet.
- Terminal 2 (T2): This terminal also handles domestic flights from several low-cost carriers. Always check your ticket to see if your domestic flight operates from T1 or T2.
- Terminal 3 (T3): This is the main international terminal and also handles all full-service domestic carriers. All international flights, as well as all Air India, Vistara, and other full-service domestic flights, operate from this large, modern terminal.
Connecting Flights & Inter-Terminal Transfers
Connecting flights at Delhi Airport, especially between domestic and international flights, requires careful planning.
- Check Your Terminals: The most critical step is knowing your arrival and departure terminals. Terminals 1/2 and Terminal 3 are not connected by a walkway.
- Inter-Terminal Shuttle Bus: To move between T1/T2 and T3, you must use the complimentary airport shuttle bus. This bus runs approximately every 20 minutes, but the journey can take time, so allow for this in your connection schedule.
- Domestic to International Transfers (and vice-versa): If you are connecting from a domestic flight at T1/T2 to an international flight at T3, you will need to collect your luggage, take the shuttle bus, and check in again at T3. Always allow at least 3-4 hours for this type of connection.
Transportation Between the Airport and City
Getting from DEL to the city is easy with multiple options.
- Delhi Airport Metro Express (Orange Line): This is the fastest and most reliable way to reach the city center. The journey from T3 to New Delhi Railway Station takes only about 20 minutes. There is also a connecting bus service from the Aerocity station to T1.
- Taxis & Ride-Sharing: Pre-paid taxis and app-based services like Uber and Ola are widely available from designated zones outside each terminal.
- Buses: DTC (Delhi Transport Corporation) buses offer a low-cost option connecting the airport to various parts of the city.
Lounges at Delhi Airport
DEL has a good selection of lounges across its terminals.
- Terminal 3 (International): This terminal has the best selection, including the Air India Maharajah Lounge, the Encalm Prive Business Class Lounge, and lounges for other international airlines.
- Terminal 3 (Domestic): Features the Air India Maharajah Lounge and the Vistara Lounge.
- Terminals 1 & 2: Also have lounges accessible with various credit cards and lounge membership programs.
Final Tips for Navigating DEL
- Know Your Terminal: This is the most important tip. Double and triple-check your ticket for your departure terminal (T1, T2, or T3).
- DigiYatra: For domestic flights, use the DigiYatra app for a seamless, paperless, and much faster journey through security checkpoints.
- Allow Extra Time: Delhi is a very busy airport, and traffic to the airport can be unpredictable. Always plan to arrive well in advance of your flight.
