If you’re flying domestic with IndiGo, SpiceJet, or Akasa Air, there’s a high chance your journey will begin at Terminal 1 of Delhi Airport (DEL). Popular among budget travelers, T1 handles millions of passengers each year and has recently undergone major upgrades. With better metro connectivity, DigiYatra-enabled gates, and expanded passenger areas, it has become far more convenient than in the past.
Compared to the sprawling Terminal 3 (T3), which serves international and full-service airlines, T1 is compact and easier to navigate. But it also comes with fewer lounges, smaller waiting areas, and limited dining options. This guide covers everything you need to know about Delhi Airport T1 — from airlines and facilities to ground transport, parking, and nearby hotels.
Airlines Operating from Terminal 1
Terminal 1 is the main hub for low-cost carriers (LCCs) operating domestic flights from Delhi.
- IndiGo — majority of domestic routes including metro cities and tier-2 towns
- SpiceJet — domestic metro + regional flights
- Akasa Air — rapidly expanding network across major Indian cities
👉 Always double-check your boarding pass or airline app before heading to the airport. Some IndiGo flights still operate out of Terminal 3. (See our [Delhi Airport Terminal 3 Guide] for details.)
Departures from T1: Step-by-Step Process
Flying out of T1 is straightforward, but peak hours can get crowded. Here’s what to expect:
- Entry Gates → Each airline has designated entry points; DigiYatra lanes available for quicker access.
- Check-In → Dedicated counters, self-service kiosks, and baggage wrapping facilities.
- Security Screening → Peak congestion occurs between 6–10 AM and 6–10 PM.
- Waiting Areas → Food court, retail outlets, limited lounges, charging stations.
- Boarding Gates → Clearly marked; listen for last-minute announcements.
Pro Tip: Arrive at least 2 hours before departure, adding 30–45 minutes during busy slots.
Arrivals at T1: What Travelers Should Know
After landing at Terminal 1:
- Disembarkation → Follow signage to baggage claim.
- Baggage Claim → Multiple carousels assigned by airline.
- Ground Transport → Exit points lead directly to prepaid taxi counters, Uber/Ola pick-up zones, and bus stands.
- Connections → A free shuttle bus links T1 with T3 every 20 minutes (20–30 minutes travel time).
If you have an international connection at T3, always keep at least 3 hours buffer between flights.
Facilities & Services at Terminal 1
While not as extensive as T3, Terminal 1 provides all essential services for domestic travelers:
- Check-in & Baggage → Airline counters, kiosks, baggage wrapping, lost & found.
- Lounges → Smaller than T3 but pay-per-use lounges and select credit card lounges are available.
- Dining & Shopping → 24×7 cafes, Indian restaurants, fast food chains, and small retail shops.
- Connectivity → Free Wi-Fi (time-limited), mobile charging points, SIM card kiosks.
- Medical & Assistance → 24×7 medical room, pharmacy, and baby-care rooms.
- Accessibility → Wheelchair service, buggy rides, and assistance counters for elderly and disabled passengers.
Transport & Connectivity
Getting to and from T1 is simple, with multiple transport options:
Delhi Metro (Most Convenient)
- Line: Magenta Line
- Station: Terminal 1–IGI Airport
- Key Interchanges: Hauz Khas (Yellow Line), Janakpuri West (Blue Line), Botanical Garden (Aqua Line)
- Travel Time: 25–30 minutes to South/Central Delhi
Shuttle Bus (T1 ↔ T3 Transfers)
- Frequency: Every 20 minutes
- Duration: 20–30 minutes
Taxis & App-Based Cabs
- Prepaid taxi counters, Uber, and Ola pick-up zones right outside arrivals.
- Travel time to Connaught Place: 35–50 minutes (traffic dependent).
Public Buses
- DTC and private buses connect T1 to Connaught Place, Kashmiri Gate ISBT, and Gurgaon.
Parking at T1
- Multi-Level Car Parking (MLCP) with short-term, long-term, and valet options.
- Smart entry/exit and digital payments available.
DigiYatra at Terminal 1
DigiYatra is active at T1, allowing paperless entry and faster security checks.
- How It Works → Pre-enroll via DigiYatra app, link Aadhaar & boarding pass, scan at airport gate, facial recognition completes verification.
- Benefits → Shorter queues, contactless travel, faster boarding process.
- Tip → Enroll 24 hours before travel to avoid last-minute issues.
Hotels Near Delhi Airport T1
If you need to rest before or after your flight, Aerocity hotels (5–10 minutes away) are your best bet.
- Budget → Ibis, Holiday Inn Express, Lemon Tree
- Mid-Range → Pride Plaza, Novotel
- Luxury → JW Marriott, Pullman, Andaz Delhi
Many Aerocity hotels also offer day-use rooms for layovers. Metro and taxis provide direct access to T1.
Future Developments at T1
Delhi Airport’s Terminal 1 is being expanded to accommodate 40 million passengers annually. Upcoming improvements include:
- Larger check-in and security halls
- More DigiYatra-enabled gates
- Expanded food courts and lounges
- Better road access and integrated parking
T1 vs T3: What’s Different?
- T1 → Domestic low-cost carriers (IndiGo, SpiceJet, Akasa), compact, faster navigation, limited lounges.
- T3 → International + full-service carriers (Air India, Vistara, foreign airlines), extensive facilities, premium lounges, duty-free shopping.
If your boarding pass says T3, check our [Delhi Airport Terminal 3 Guide] for detailed info.
Quick Snapshot: T1 at a Glance
- Airlines: IndiGo, SpiceJet, Akasa Air
- Metro Access: Magenta Line → Terminal 1–IGI Airport station
- Shuttle: Free bus every 20 minutes (T1 ↔ T3)
- Parking: Multi-level, valet, digital payments
- Facilities: Lounges, food court, Wi-Fi, child-care, medical
- Tip: Keep 3 hours if connecting from T1 to T3 for an international flight
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which airlines operate from Terminal 1 in Delhi?
Terminal 1 handles domestic flights of IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Akasa Air. These are low-cost carriers serving metro cities as well as regional destinations. Always confirm on your boarding pass or airline app, since a few IndiGo flights operate from Terminal 3.
Does IndiGo use Terminal 1 or Terminal 3 at Delhi?
Most IndiGo domestic flights use Terminal 1, while some domestic and all international flights use Terminal 3. Always check your boarding pass or the IndiGo app before heading to the airport.
Is Akasa Air at T1 or T3 in Delhi?
As of 2025, Akasa Air operates from Terminal 1 at Delhi Airport. All its domestic departures and arrivals, including Mumbai and Bengaluru flights, are handled at T1.
How can I reach Delhi Airport Terminal 1 by metro?
The fastest way is via the Magenta Line of the Delhi Metro. The station is called Terminal 1–IGI Airport and connects directly to the terminal. From Hauz Khas (Yellow Line), Janakpuri West (Blue Line), or Botanical Garden (Aqua Line), you can switch to the Magenta Line for seamless access.
Is there a shuttle between T1 and T3?
Yes. A free shuttle bus runs every 20 minutes between Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. Travel time is about 20–30 minutes, but if you’re connecting to an international flight, keep at least 3 hours buffer.
What facilities are available at Terminal 1?
T1 has check-in counters, baggage wrapping, limited lounges, cafes, fast food outlets, small retail shops, child-care rooms, medical facilities, free Wi-Fi (time-limited), and assistance services like wheelchairs and buggy rides.
Are there lounges at Terminal 1?
Yes, but fewer than at T3. T1 has pay-per-use lounges and access for select credit card holders. Facilities are more basic compared to the premium lounges at T3.
What are the parking options at T1?
Terminal 1 has a Multi-Level Car Parking (MLCP) with short-term, long-term, and valet parking options. Digital payments and smart entry/exit make the process easier. Charges vary depending on duration.
Can I stay overnight at or near Terminal 1?
The terminal itself doesn’t offer overnight accommodation. However, Aerocity hotels such as Ibis, Holiday Inn Express, Lemon Tree, Novotel, JW Marriott, and Pullman are just 5–10 minutes away by metro or taxi. Many offer day-use rooms for layovers.
Is DigiYatra available at T1?
Yes, DigiYatra is active at Terminal 1. Once you pre-enroll on the DigiYatra app and link your Aadhaar and boarding pass, you can use facial recognition for paperless entry and faster security checks.
How long before a flight should I reach T1?
For domestic flights, reach 2 hours before departure. During peak hours (6–10 AM and 6–10 PM), allow an extra 30–45 minutes for security.