Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI), known by its code DEL, is India’s busiest airport and one of Asia’s top 20 by passenger traffic. Located about 16 km from Connaught Place, it serves as the main gateway to over 100 domestic and international destinations.
For many travelers, the challenge isn’t just the flight, it’s understanding which terminal to go to, how to move between them, and how to make the most of the facilities. This guide offers a complete overview of Delhi Airport’s terminals, airlines, connectivity, and traveler tips so your journey feels smoother and less stressful.
Understanding the Terminals at Delhi Airport
Delhi Airport operates through three major terminals, each serving different types of flights. Knowing the right one in advance is essential.
Terminal 1 (T1): Domestic Low-Cost Hub
If you’re flying with IndiGo, SpiceJet, or Akasa Air, you’ll most likely use Terminal 1. Compact in size and recently expanded, T1 is the go-to for budget and regional domestic travel. It has self-check-in kiosks, food courts, prepaid taxi access, and a multi-level car park. The Magenta Metro Line connects directly to this terminal.
Terminal 2 (T2): Transitional Domestic Terminal
At the moment, T2 is closed for renovation, but it is scheduled to reopen in October 2025. Once back in operation, it will handle part of Air India and IndiGo’s domestic flights, designed to make domestic-to-international transfers more efficient. A pedestrian walkway links it directly with Terminal 3.
Update
Starting October 26, 2025, IndiGo Airlines will resume flight operations from Terminal 2 (T2) at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI). More details here
Terminal 3 (T3): International & Full-Service Airlines
The largest and most modern terminal, T3 is the home of all international flights along with Air India, Vistara, and some IndiGo domestic routes. It is where you’ll find duty-free shopping, premium lounges, multi-level parking, and the Airport Express Metro line. Travelers heading to or from Connaught Place or New Delhi Railway Station often prefer this terminal for its direct metro connectivity.
Airlines at Delhi Airport
- T1 → IndiGo (domestic), SpiceJet, Akasa Air
- T2 → Planned for Air India + IndiGo (domestic split, reopening Oct 2025)
- T3 → All international carriers, plus Air India domestic and some IndiGo domestic
Tip: Always check your boarding pass or airline app. Delhi Airport occasionally reallocates flights, especially during peak periods.
How to Get Around: Transfers & Connectivity
One of the biggest challenges at Delhi Airport is moving between terminals or reaching the city quickly.
Inter-terminal transfers:
- A free shuttle bus runs between T1 and T3 every 20 minutes, with a journey time of 20–40 minutes.
- Once T2 reopens, a pedestrian walkway will connect it to T3.
- Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs (Uber, Ola) are available at all terminals for direct transfers.
Metro access:
- T3 → Connected to the Airport Express Line, which reaches New Delhi Railway Station in about 20 minutes. This is the fastest and cheapest way into central Delhi.
- T1 → Served by the Magenta Line (station: Terminal 1–IGI Airport). For Airport Express connectivity, you can change at Hauz Khas.
Parking:
- T3 offers multi-level car parking with short-term, long-term, and valet options.
- T1 has both open and multi-level parking zones.
- Charges start around ₹150–₹300 per hour, with daily passes available for longer stays.
Facilities and Services at IGI
Delhi Airport offers a mix of essentials and extras, though facilities vary by terminal.
At T1, expect basic services: check-in counters, self-service kiosks, baggage wrapping, a small selection of cafes, and limited lounge access.
T3, on the other hand, is a world-class hub. Here you’ll find:
- Lounges like Plaza Premium, Air India Maharaja, and ITC Green Lounge.
- Dining options ranging from Indian thalis to international fast food and 24×7 coffee shops.
- Shopping, including duty-free for international passengers.
- Connectivity through free Wi-Fi (time-limited), mobile charging points, and SIM card kiosks.
- Assistance services, including medical centers, pharmacies, child-care rooms, wheelchair service, buggy rides, and multilingual help desks.
Insider Tips for Travelers
- Arrive early: 2 hours before domestic flights, 3–4 hours before international.
- Avoid peak rush: 5–9 AM and 7–11 PM are busiest. Add extra buffer during these times.
- International transfers: Keep at least 3 hours if moving between terminals.
- DigiYatra: Available at T1 and T3, this system allows faster, paperless entry using facial recognition. Enroll at least 24 hours before travel.
- Family travelers: Dedicated baby-care rooms and assistance counters are available at all terminals.
- Accessibility: If you need a wheelchair or buggy, request it via your airline in advance.
Hotels & Layover Options
If you need to rest during a layover, you’ll find options both inside the airport and nearby.
- Inside the airport: The Holiday Inn Express at T3 offers both hourly and overnight stays.
- Nearby Aerocity (2 km from IGI):
- Budget: Ibis, Lemon Tree
- Mid-range: Pride Plaza, Novotel
- Luxury: JW Marriott, Pullman, Andaz Delhi
- Many Aerocity hotels also provide day-use rooms, ideal if your stop is only 5–6 hours.
Future Developments
Delhi Airport is expanding rapidly to handle up to 100 million passengers annually. Planned upgrades include:
- A larger Terminal 1 with more DigiYatra-enabled gates.
- A fully upgraded Terminal 2 by late 2025.
- Expanded duty-free and lounge facilities at T3.
- Smarter parking systems and better road connectivity.
Quick Facts About IGI
- Code: DEL
- Airlines at T1: IndiGo, SpiceJet, Akasa Air
- Airlines at T2: Planned – Air India + IndiGo (Oct 2025 reopening)
- Airlines at T3: Air India, IndiGo (some domestic), all international carriers
- Metro: Airport Express (T3), Magenta Line (T1)
- Shuttle: Free bus T1 ↔ T3 (20–40 minutes)
- Parking: Short-term, long-term, valet (pre-booking available)
- Helpline: +91-124-3376000
FAQs
Which terminal does Air India use at Delhi Airport?
Air India operates entirely from Terminal 3, handling both domestic and international flights. Travelers should always double-check their boarding pass or the airline app for confirmation.
Which terminal does IndiGo use at Delhi Airport?
IndiGo primarily uses Terminal 1 for domestic flights. However, some routes also depart from Terminal 3, so it’s best to verify before leaving for the airport.
Which terminal does Akasa Air use at Delhi Airport?
All Akasa Air domestic flights operate from Terminal 1. This terminal is shared with IndiGo and SpiceJet, making it Delhi’s low-cost carrier hub.
Which terminal does SpiceJet use at Delhi Airport?
SpiceJet runs most of its domestic flights from Terminal 1, while a limited number of international services use Terminal 3. Always confirm your terminal in advance.
Is Terminal 2 currently open at Delhi Airport?
As of 2025, Terminal 2 is closed for renovations. It is expected to reopen in October 2025, handling a portion of Air India and IndiGo domestic operations.
How can I transfer between Terminal 1 and Terminal 3?
A free shuttle bus runs every 20 minutes between T1 and T3. The journey usually takes 20–40 minutes, depending on traffic around the airport.
Does Delhi Airport have metro connectivity?
Yes. Terminal 3 connects to the Airport Express Line, which reaches New Delhi Railway Station in about 20 minutes. Terminal 1 is linked to the Magenta Line via the Terminal 1–IGI Airport metro station.
How much does parking cost at Delhi Airport?
Short-term parking charges are typically ₹150–₹300 per hour. Long-term parking and valet services are available at both T1 and T3, with online pre-booking recommended during busy travel seasons.
Can I stay overnight at or near Delhi Airport?
Yes. The Holiday Inn Express inside Terminal 3 offers hourly and overnight rooms. For longer stays, nearby Aerocity hotels such as Ibis, Lemon Tree, Novotel, JW Marriott, and Pullman are just 5–10 minutes away.
What’s the cheapest way to reach Connaught Place from Delhi Airport?
The most affordable option is the Airport Express metro from Terminal 3 to New Delhi Railway Station, which takes about 20 minutes. From there, Connaught Place is only a short taxi or auto ride away.