Delhi Airport Terminal 1: The Heart of Domestic Budget Travel
Terminal 1 of Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) is the domestic hub for low-cost carriers, serving millions of passengers each year. If you’re flying with IndiGo, SpiceJet, or Akasa Air, you’ll most likely be using T1. With recent expansions, better metro connectivity, and DigiYatra for faster processing, Terminal 1 is now more convenient than ever.
Airlines at Terminal 1
| Airline | Terminal | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| IndiGo | T1 | Majority of domestic routes |
| SpiceJet | T1 | Domestic metro + regional |
| Akasa Air | T1 | Expanding domestic operations |
👉 Always confirm on your ticket or airline app, as allocations may shift during peak traffic or operational changes.
Arrivals & Departures at T1
Departures (Flying Out) – Step by Step
- Entry Gates – Airline-specific entry zones; DigiYatra lanes available.
- Check-In – Counters + self-service kiosks.
- Security Screening – Allow extra time during peak hours (6–10 AM, 6–10 PM).
- Waiting Areas – Food courts, retail, limited lounges, charging stations.
- Boarding Gates – Clearly marked; listen for announcements.
Arrivals (Landing at T1) – Step by Step
- Disembarkation – Follow signage to baggage claim.
- Baggage Claim – Multiple carousels by airline.
- Ground Transport – Exit to prepaid taxis, Uber/Ola pick-up zones, bus stands.
- Connections – Free shuttle to T3 for international flights (20–30 minutes).
Facilities & Services
- Check-in & Baggage: Dedicated counters, kiosks, baggage wrapping, lost & found.
- Lounges: Limited compared to T3; pay-per-use and select credit card lounges.
- Dining & Shopping: 24×7 cafes, fast food, Indian restaurants, small retail shops.
- Connectivity: Free Wi-Fi (time-limited), charging stations, SIM card kiosks.
- Medical & Assistance: 24×7 medical room, pharmacy, baby-care rooms.
- Accessibility: Wheelchair service, buggy rides, assistance counters.
Connectivity & Transport
Delhi Metro – Magenta Line
- Station: Terminal 1–IGI Airport
- Key Interchanges:
- Hauz Khas → Yellow Line (Connaught Place, Gurgaon)
- Janakpuri West → Blue Line (Dwarka, Noida)
- Botanical Garden → Aqua Line (Noida Extension)
- Travel Time: ~25–30 minutes to South/Central Delhi.
Airport Shuttle
- Free bus every 20 minutes between T1 and T3.
- Travel time: 20–30 minutes.
Taxis & App-Based Cabs
- Prepaid taxi counters and dedicated Uber/Ola zones.
- Travel time to Connaught Place: 35–50 minutes (traffic-dependent).
Parking
- Multi-Level Car Parking (MLCP) at T1.
- Options: Short-term, long-term, valet.
- Digital payment and smart entry/exit available.
Public Buses
- DTC and private buses connect T1 to Connaught Place, Kashmiri Gate ISBT, and Gurgaon.
DigiYatra at Terminal 1
DigiYatra is available at T1, offering paperless entry and faster security checks.
- How it works: Pre-enroll via DigiYatra app → link Aadhaar + face scan → scan at airport gate → facial recognition verifies your identity.
- Benefits: Quicker entry, reduced queues, contactless travel.
- Tip: Enroll at least 24 hours before travel for smooth access.
Traveler Tips for T1 Flyers
- Arrive Early: 2 hours before domestic departures; add 30–45 minutes during peak hours.
- Transfers: Keep minimum 3 hours if connecting to an international flight at T3.
- Families & Elderly: Use baby-care rooms, buggy service, and dedicated assistance counters.
- Food Options: Limited compared to T3 — plan meals if you have long waits.
- Baggage Allowances: Check with your airline; low-cost carriers are strict on cabin and check-in baggage.
Nearby Hotels & Layover Options
| Category | Hotels (Aerocity, 5–10 min away) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Ibis, Holiday Inn Express, Lemon Tree | Good for overnight stays |
| Mid-Range | Pride Plaza, Novotel | Day-use available |
| Luxury | JW Marriott, Pullman, Andaz Delhi | Premium layover comfort |
Aerocity is directly connected to T1 by metro and taxis.
Future Developments at T1
Terminal 1 is undergoing major expansion to handle up to 40 million passengers annually:
- Expanded check-in halls and security areas.
- More DigiYatra-enabled gates.
- Larger food courts and lounges.
- Improved road access and integrated parking facilities.
T1 at a Glance: Airlines, Transport & Traveler Essentials
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Airlines | IndiGo, SpiceJet, Akasa Air |
| Metro Access | Magenta Line – Terminal 1–IGI Airport station |
| Shuttle Service | Free bus every 20 min (T1 ↔ T3) |
| Parking | Multi-level (short-term, long-term, valet) |
| Departures | DigiYatra-enabled gates, counters, kiosks |
| Arrivals | Baggage claim, taxis, app cabs, buses |
| Assistance | Wheelchair, buggy, child care, medical facilities |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which airlines operate from Terminal 1 at Delhi Airport?
Terminal 1 handles domestic flights for IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Akasa Air. These are primarily low-cost carriers serving short- and medium-haul routes across India. International flights and full-service airlines operate from Terminal 3.
Does Akasa Air use Terminal 1 or Terminal 3 in Delhi?
As of 2025, Akasa Air operates from Terminal 1 at Delhi Airport. All its domestic flights, including services to Mumbai, Bangalore, and other metro cities, depart and arrive at T1.
Does IndiGo operate from both T1 and T3 at Delhi?
Yes. IndiGo uses Terminal 1 for most domestic flights, while select domestic and international routes operate from Terminal 3. Always check your boarding pass or the IndiGo app to confirm your terminal.
How do I reach Terminal 1 by metro?
Use the Magenta Line of the Delhi Metro. The station is called Terminal 1–IGI Airport and is directly linked to the terminal. Major interchanges include Hauz Khas (Yellow Line) and Janakpuri West (Blue Line), making it easy to connect from central Delhi, Noida, and Gurgaon.
How long does it take to transfer from T1 to T3?
The free shuttle bus between T1 and T3 runs every 20 minutes. Travel time is usually 20–30 minutes, but it’s best to allow at least 3 hours if you have a domestic-to-international connection.
Is DigiYatra available at Terminal 1?
Yes. DigiYatra is active at T1 and allows paperless entry and faster security checks using facial recognition. Travelers must pre-enroll on the DigiYatra app and link their Aadhaar and boarding pass to use the service.
What are the parking options at Terminal 1?
T1 has a multi-level car park (MLCP) with short-term, long-term, and valet parking. Digital payment and smart entry/exit systems make parking more convenient. Charges vary depending on duration, with short-term starting from about ₹150–₹300 per hour.
Can I stay overnight at or near Terminal 1?
Terminal 1 itself has limited overnight facilities, but nearby Aerocity hotels such as Ibis, Holiday Inn Express, and JW Marriott are 5–10 minutes away. Many offer day-use rooms for layovers, with direct access via metro, shuttle, or taxi.