Delhi’s Terminal 3 (T3) at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) is India’s busiest and most modern passenger hub. Built to handle over 40 million passengers annually, T3 is the gateway for most international flights and premium domestic operations. Known for its scale, world-class lounges, and seamless connectivity, it sets the standard for air travel in India.
If you’re flying with Air India, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Lufthansa, British Airways, Qatar Airways, or any other international carrier, you’ll be traveling through T3. Many premium domestic flights also depart from here, making it the most important terminal for both Indian and global travelers.
Airlines Operating from Terminal 3
T3 is the base for international and full-service operations, with some domestic overlaps:
- Air India (post Vistara merger): Both domestic and international flights.
- IndiGo: Select domestic routes, particularly those connected to international transfers.
- International Airlines: Emirates, Lufthansa, British Airways, Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways, Thai Airways, United Airlines, and most other foreign carriers.
👉 Because airline allocations can change, always confirm your boarding pass or airline app before heading to the airport.
Departures at Terminal 3
Flying out of T3 is a streamlined process, but peak hours can be busy:
- Entry Gates: Airline-specific entry lanes; DigiYatra-enabled gates for paperless access.
- Check-In: Multiple counters and self-service kiosks to speed up check-in.
- Security Screening: Expanded lanes, though expect queues during 5–9 AM and 7–11 PM.
- Immigration (for international flights): Separate lines for Indian nationals, foreign passport holders, and e-visas.
- Lounges & Duty-Free: Large food courts, premium lounges, and one of India’s biggest duty-free zones.
- Boarding Gates: Clearly marked with digital displays and frequent announcements.
Arrivals at Terminal 3
On arrival, T3 is built to handle heavy traffic smoothly:
- Immigration: Faster processing with DigiYatra and e-passport-enabled counters.
- Baggage Claim: Multiple carousels, with real-time display screens.
- Customs: Red and green channels depending on your declaration.
- Ground Transport: Dedicated exits for prepaid taxis, Uber/Ola pick-up zones, airport metro, and bus services.
Facilities & Services at T3
As the largest terminal in India, T3 offers comprehensive facilities:
- Lounges: Plaza Premium Lounge, Air India Maharaja Lounge, ITC Green Lounge, Emirates Lounge, American Express Lounge, and more.
- Dining & Shopping: Duty-free shopping, Indian and global restaurants, fast food chains, bakeries, and coffee shops.
- Connectivity: Free Wi-Fi (time-limited), multiple charging stations, SIM card counters.
- Medical & Child Care: 24×7 medical centers, pharmacies, baby-care rooms.
- Accessibility: Wheelchair assistance, buggy rides, prayer rooms, multilingual help desks.
- Business Services: Meeting rooms, postal services, and work pods for professionals.
Connectivity & Transfers
T3 is well-connected to Delhi and NCR:
Metro
- Airport Express Line: Direct metro from T3 to New Delhi Railway Station in about 20 minutes.
- Interchanges: Easy transfers to Yellow Line (Rajiv Chowk) and Blue Line.
Shuttle Service
- T3 ↔ T1: Free shuttle bus every 20 minutes; journey takes 20–40 minutes.
- T3 ↔ T2: Direct pedestrian walkway once T2 reopens (expected October 2025).
Taxis & App-Based Cabs
- Uber, Ola, and prepaid taxis are available with dedicated pick-up/drop zones.
- Travel time to Connaught Place is usually 30–45 minutes, depending on traffic.
Parking
- Multi-Level Car Parking (MLCP): Short-term, long-term, and valet parking.
- Digital payments and online pre-booking available.
DigiYatra at Terminal 3
DigiYatra is fully functional at T3, offering paperless, contactless, and faster movement through entry gates and security.
- How it works: Enroll via the DigiYatra app → link Aadhaar and boarding pass → face scan at DigiYatra gates.
- Benefits: Faster entry, reduced queues, and smoother overall travel.
Hotels & Layover Options
For travelers with long waits or overnight layovers, T3 has convenient options:
- Inside T3: Holiday Inn Express, offering hourly and overnight stays.
- Aerocity (just 5–10 minutes away):
- Budget: Ibis, Lemon Tree
- Mid-Range: Novotel, Pride Plaza
- Luxury: JW Marriott, Pullman, Andaz Delhi
- Day-Use Hotels: Available inside T3 and nearby Aerocity for short layovers.
Traveler Tips for T3
- Arrive 3–4 hours before international flights, 2 hours for domestic.
- Keep at least 3 hours buffer for domestic-to-international transfers.
- Peak crowd hours: early mornings (5–9 AM) and evenings (7–11 PM).
- Duty-free shopping at T3 is among the largest in India — plan time if you want to shop.
- Families and elderly passengers can access assistance counters, baby-care facilities, and buggy rides.
Terminal 3 at a Glance
- Airlines: Air India, IndiGo (select domestic), all international carriers.
- Metro Access: Direct via Airport Express Line.
- Shuttle Service: Free T1 ↔ T3 bus; pedestrian walkway to T2 post-reopening.
- Parking: Multi-level, valet, short- and long-term.
- Lounges: Plaza Premium, Air India, Emirates, ITC Green Lounge, etc.
- Facilities: Duty-free shopping, global dining, Wi-Fi, medical, child care, business services.
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FAQs
Which airlines operate from Terminal 3 at Delhi Airport?
Terminal 3 handles all international flights and select domestic flights. Air India (domestic + international), IndiGo (select domestic routes), and all major global airlines such as Emirates, Lufthansa, British Airways, Singapore Airlines, and Qatar Airways operate from T3.
How do I reach Terminal 3 by metro?
Take the Delhi Metro Airport Express Line, which directly connects Terminal 3 to New Delhi Railway Station in about 20 minutes. From Rajiv Chowk, you can easily connect to the Yellow and Blue Lines for wider access across Delhi-NCR.
How long does it take to transfer between T1 and T3?
The free shuttle bus runs every 20 minutes between Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. Travel time is usually 20–40 minutes, but if you have an international connection, it’s best to keep at least 3 hours buffer time.
Is there a hotel inside Terminal 3?
Yes. The Holiday Inn Express at T3 offers hourly and overnight rooms for transit passengers. For more options, Aerocity hotels like Ibis, Lemon Tree, Novotel, Pullman, and JW Marriott are just 5–10 minutes away.
Does Terminal 3 have lounges?
Yes. T3 offers several lounges, including Plaza Premium Lounge, Air India Maharaja Lounge, ITC Green Lounge, Emirates Lounge, and the American Express Lounge. Many are accessible via credit cards, memberships, or pay-per-use.
What are the dining options at Terminal 3?
T3 has a wide range of restaurants, coffee shops, fast food outlets, and bakeries, along with duty-free shopping for international travelers. Both Indian and international cuisines are available.
Can I use DigiYatra at Terminal 3?
Yes. DigiYatra is fully functional at T3. Pre-enroll via the DigiYatra app, link your Aadhaar and boarding pass, and use facial recognition at dedicated entry and security gates for faster access.
How much does parking cost at T3?
Terminal 3 has multi-level parking with short-term, long-term, and valet options. Charges usually start at around ₹150–₹300 per hour for short-term parking. Online pre-booking is recommended during peak travel periods.
How early should I arrive for a flight from T3?
For domestic flights, arrive at least 2 hours before departure. For international flights, plan to be at T3 3–4 hours in advance. During peak travel hours (5–9 AM, 7–11 PM), allow extra time.
Is Terminal 3 good for family and elderly travelers?
Yes. T3 has baby-care rooms, family assistance counters, wheelchair support, and buggy rides. Assistance can be pre-booked through airlines for elderly passengers.
What is the cheapest way to reach Connaught Place from T3?
The Delhi Metro Airport Express Line is the cheapest and fastest option. It takes about 20 minutes to reach New Delhi Railway Station, from where Connaught Place is just 5 minutes by auto or taxi.