Delhi Airport (DEL): India’s Gateway to the World
Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI), with the airport code DEL, is India’s busiest aviation hub and one of Asia’s top 20 airports by passenger traffic. Located about 16 km southwest of Connaught Place, IGI connects Delhi with over 100 domestic and international destinations.
For first-time visitors or frequent flyers, knowing which terminal to use, how to transfer between them, and what facilities are available can save significant time and stress. This guide gives you a complete overview of IGI Airport’s terminals, airlines, connectivity, and essential traveler information.
Delhi Airport Terminals at a Glance
| Terminal | Purpose | Key Airlines (2025) | Facilities | Distance/Connectivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T1 | Domestic low-cost carriers | IndiGo, SpiceJet, Akasa Air | Check-in counters, food courts, prepaid taxis, parking, self-check-in kiosks | Connected to Magenta Line (Dhaula Kuan → T1-IGI), ~8 km from T3 |
| T2 | Transitional domestic terminal (currently closed, reopening expected Oct 2025) | Planned for Air India + IndiGo split operations (domestic-to-international transfers) | Upgraded amenities, wider passenger handling capacity (post-reopening) | Walking distance from T3 via pedestrian link |
| T3 | International + full-service domestic carriers | Air India (merged with Vistara), some IndiGo domestic, global carriers (Emirates, Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways, etc.) | Duty-free shopping, lounges, multi-level parking, direct Airport Express metro | Airport Express metro to New Delhi Railway Station in ~20 min |
Airlines at Delhi Airport
- Terminal 1: IndiGo (major domestic operations), SpiceJet, Akasa Air
- Terminal 2: Currently closed for renovations; expected reopening October 2025 with select Air India and IndiGo flights
- Terminal 3: All international flights + Air India domestic, select IndiGo domestic, major global carriers including Emirates, Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, British Airways, Qatar Airways, United Airlines
Always reconfirm with your airline before travel, as allocations may change.
Getting Around: Connectivity & Transfers
Inter-terminal transfers
- Shuttle Bus: Free 24×7 shuttle service between T1 and T3, every 20 minutes. Travel time ~20–40 minutes.
- Walking Link: Direct pedestrian walkway between T2 and T3 (when T2 reopens).
- Taxis/App Cabs: Uber, Ola, prepaid taxis available at all terminals.
Metro connections
- T3: Directly linked via Airport Express Line → New Delhi station in ~20 minutes.
- T1: Connected via Magenta Line (T1-IGI Metro Station) → interchanges with Airport Express at Hauz Khas.
Parking
- T3: Multi-level car parking (short-term, long-term, valet).
- T1: Open parking zones near the terminal.
- Rates: Short-term ~₹150–₹300 per hour; long-term day passes available; valet service at T3.
Airport Facilities & Services
- Lounges: Plaza Premium, Air India Maharaja Lounge, ITC Green Lounge, credit card lounges.
- Dining & Shopping: Duty-free (T3 international), Indian and international restaurants, 24×7 coffee shops.
- Connectivity: Free Wi-Fi (limited), charging stations, mobile SIM kiosks.
- Medical: Round-the-clock medical centers and pharmacies.
- Banking: Currency exchange, ATMs, and banking counters at T3.
- Assistance: Wheelchair service, buggy rides, baby care rooms, prayer rooms, multilingual help desks.
Insider Travel Tips
- Arrive Early: 2 hours before domestic, 3–4 hours before international departures.
- Peak Times: Early morning (5–9 AM) and evening (7–11 PM); allow extra time.
- Connection Time: Minimum 3 hours recommended for international ↔ domestic transfers.
- Customs: Duty-free allowance up to ₹50,000 for returning Indian residents.
- Family Travelers: Use family assistance counters and baby-care rooms at each terminal.
- Accessibility: Request wheelchair or buggy assistance via airline in advance.
Hotels & Layover Options
- On-site: Holiday Inn Express inside T3 (hourly and overnight options).
- Aerocity (2 km from IGI):
- Budget: Ibis, Lemon Tree
- Mid-range: Pride Plaza, Novotel
- Luxury: JW Marriott, Pullman, Andaz by Hyatt
- Day-use hotels: Available inside T3 and nearby Aerocity for layovers.
Future Developments at IGI
Quick Reference
- Code: DEL
- T1 Airlines: IndiGo, SpiceJet, Akasa Air
- T2 Airlines: Planned – Air India + IndiGo (reopening Oct 2025)
- T3 Airlines: Air India, IndiGo (some domestic), all international carriers
- Metro: Airport Express (T3), Magenta Line (T1)
- Shuttle: Free bus T1 ↔ T3 (20–40 min)
- Parking: Short-term, long-term, valet (pre-booking available)
- Helpline: +91-124-3376000
Next Steps for a Smooth Delhi Airport Experience
Whether you’re flying domestic with IndiGo or Akasa Air, or catching an international connection with Air India or Emirates, knowing your terminal in advance makes the journey stress-free. This hub gives you the big picture — now you can dive into the terminal guides below for step-by-step details tailored to your airline and route:
- [Delhi Airport Terminal 1 Guide – Airlines, Facilities & Travel Tips]
- [Delhi Airport Terminal 2 Guide – Airlines, Facilities & Travel Tips]
- [Delhi Airport Terminal 3 Guide – Airlines, Facilities & Travel Tips]
FAQs
Which terminal does Air India use at Delhi Airport?
Air India operates from Terminal 3 at Delhi Airport. This includes both domestic and international flights since its merger with Vistara. Always confirm your terminal on your ticket or the airport’s live flight board before travel.
Which terminal does IndiGo use at Delhi Airport?
IndiGo operates mainly from Terminal 1 for domestic flights, but some services also use Terminal 3. The allocation depends on routes and scheduling, so it’s best to check your booking or the airline’s app.
Which terminal does Akasa Air use at Delhi Airport?
Akasa Air operates from Terminal 1 for its domestic flights at Delhi Airport. This makes it easy for passengers using other low-cost carriers like SpiceJet and IndiGo.
Which terminal does SpiceJet use at Delhi Airport?
SpiceJet uses Terminal 1 for domestic operations. A limited number of its international flights also depart from Terminal 3. Travelers should confirm terminal details before leaving for the airport.
Is Terminal 2 open at Delhi Airport in 2025?
As of early 2025, Terminal 2 remains closed for renovations. It is scheduled to reopen around October 2025, with Air India and IndiGo expected to shift part of their domestic operations there.
How do I transfer between T1 and T3 at Delhi Airport?
A free shuttle bus runs every 20 minutes between T1 and T3, taking around 20–40 minutes depending on traffic. Taxis and app-based cabs are also available, but always allow at least 3 hours for an international connection.
Does Delhi Airport have metro connectivity?
Yes. Terminal 3 connects directly to the Airport Express Line, reaching New Delhi Railway Station in ~20 minutes. Terminal 1 is served by the Magenta Line, with an interchange at Hauz Khas for the Airport Express.
How much is parking at Delhi Airport?
Short-term parking at Delhi Airport costs roughly ₹150–₹300 per hour. Long-term parking with daily rates and valet services is available at T3. Online pre-booking for parking spaces is also an option.
Can I stay overnight at Delhi Airport?
Yes. Holiday Inn Express inside T3 offers hourly and overnight stays. In addition, lounges with sleeping pods and nearby Aerocity hotels (2 km from IGI) provide convenient layover options.
What is the cheapest way to get from Delhi Airport to Connaught Place?
The cheapest and fastest option is the Delhi Metro Airport Express from Terminal 3 to New Delhi Railway Station, which takes about 20 minutes. From there, Connaught Place is just a short auto or taxi ride away.