Delhi’s IGI airport set for biggest makeover yet — will T3 reign supreme?

DIAL has started drafting the 2026 master plan to address the next decade of air travel requirements at IGI Airport. The exercise will decide terminal roles, expansion priorities, and connectivity enhancements. The plan is expected to be finalised within three to four months.
(Picture credits: Saurabh Sinha)

Currently, passengers transfer between T3 and T1/T2 using DTC buses, which is less efficient. The MP will consider improved connectivity solutions, possibly enhancing road links or rail access to streamline passenger movement.
(Picture credits: Saurabh Sinha)

Questions on whether T3 should remain the sole terminal for international flights are being examined. The MP will explore if a mixed-use model with T2/4 handling both domestic and international operations is more viable for future traffic.
(Picture credits: Saurabh Sinha)

Depending on Noida airport’s effect on passenger traffic, T2 could continue functioning until around 2030. Post this, T4 construction may begin to expand IGIA’s overall capacity to about 14 crore passengers annually.
(Picture credits: Saurabh Sinha)

Air India and IndiGo, along with partner airlines, are pushing for exclusive terminals to simplify transfers. Concentrating traffic for an airline group allows smoother transit, especially given the delay in the proposed IGIA air train connecting distant terminals.
(Picture credits: Saurabh Sinha)

The MP will also determine when T2 can be removed and replaced with a larger T4 terminal to meet rising passenger demand. The new terminal could accommodate growing air traffic and improve airport efficiency in the next decade.
(Picture credits: Saurabh Sinha)

DIAL expects IGIA and NIA to serve distinct catchment areas, complementing each other rather than competing. The dual-airport scenario is projected to boost aviation growth in the NCR, with possible benefits in decongesting peak-hour traffic at IGIA.
(Picture credits: Saurabh Sinha)