Delhi Airport will close Terminal 2 for a duration of 4-5 months beginning in April, with all flight operations moving to Terminal 1
The capacity of T2, which accommodates 15 million passengers, will be shifted to T1 during its temporary shutdown.
On Wednesday (February 26), Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) announced that Terminal 2 (T2) of Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) will undergo temporary closure for a period of four to five months starting in April. The T2 terminal, constructed 40 years ago by the Airports Authority of India (AAI), is slated for significant refurbishment under the guidance of Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL).
This modernization project will enhance critical infrastructure, ensuring that T2 remains a top-tier facility capable of supporting increasing passenger volumes. The upgrades will feature India's first autonomous docking aerobridges, modern ceilings fitted with skylights, sophisticated flooring, and enhanced road connectivity. These improvements are designed to accommodate the surging demand for domestic air travel, with T2 projected to reach its full capacity by FY 2025-26.
Moreover, one of the runways will be closed for upgrades during this time frame. These efforts are in line with DIAL's ambition to establish a global aviation hub for India and Southeast Asia. IGIA, which comprises three terminals—T1, T2, and T3—currently manages approximately 109 million passengers each year.
T1 restoration work is nearing completion.
DIAL CEO Videh Kumar Jaipuriar has stated that the ongoing projects at Terminal 1 (T1) are anticipated to conclude by March 15, after which it will reopen for operations pending the necessary approvals. The capacity of T2, accommodating 15 million passengers, will be redirected to T1 during its temporary closure.
Kumar emphasized that the recently completed Phase 3A involved an investment of Rs 12,500 crore, aimed at constructing Terminal 1, a new taxiway, an apron with parking stands, and various other infrastructure enhancements. He further remarked that these advancements are part of the airport's continuous initiatives to facilitate the growth of Indian aviation.
The domestic section of T3 will be transformed into an international terminal.
In light of the rising passenger traffic, the airport operator also intends to convert a segment of T3, presently utilized for domestic operations, into an international terminal.
“The average international load is approximately 67,000 to 68,000 per day…. When multiplied by 365, it amounts to nearly 24 million. The rated capacity for the international terminal T3 is 20 million. In fact, we are operating at an asset utilization of around 20 percent,” he stated.
“Therefore, we have proposed to convert Pier C (a section of the airport), which is currently designated for domestic use, into an international terminal at T3. The international capacity will expand to 32 million. This will sufficiently address capacity needs for the next four to five years, according to the airlines’ forecasts,” he added.
Current passenger capacity at Delhi Airport.
At present, T1 has the capacity to handle 40 million passengers annually, T2 accommodates 15 million, and T3 manages the remaining traffic. However, T3 was initially designed for 34 million international passengers but is now responsible for approximately 45 million.
During the closure of T2, one of the airport’s runways will also be temporarily out of service to enable an upgrade of the Instrument Landing System (ILS). “Our goal is to finish the upgrade prior to the onset of winter,” Jaipuriar remarked. This enhancement will ensure the runway meets CAT III B standards, permitting flight operations even in low-visibility situations, which are particularly crucial during the fog-laden winter months.
Increase in Passenger Tariffs
In conjunction with infrastructure improvements, DIAL has suggested a revision of tariffs at Delhi Airport. The existing per-passenger fee of ?145 is slated to rise to ?370, representing an increase of ?225 for each traveler.
The passenger capacities for Delhi Airport’s terminals are as follows:
T1: 40 million
T2: 15 million
T3: 54 million
Key Upgrades at T2:
New Passenger Boarding Bridges featuring India’s first autonomous docking technology Contemporary ceilings and skylight designs to create a more spacious and visually appealing environment. Enhanced flooring and improved road connectivity for effortless passenger movement.
These upgrades are intended to meet the increasing demand for domestic air travel. DIAL anticipates that Delhi Airport will reach its maximum passenger capacity by the fiscal year 2025-26, making these developments essential for addressing future needs.
With the expansion of Delhi Airport’s infrastructure, advancements in technology, and rising passenger tariffs, the aviation hub is poised to bolster India’s standing as a leader in global air travel. While ensuring passenger convenience remains a foremost concern, the notable increase in tariffs may ignite discussions among travelers. Nevertheless, DIAL’s commitment to modernization guarantees that Delhi Airport is adequately equipped for the future of aviation in India.
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