Delhi Airport to Streamline Inter-Terminal Travel
Moving between terminals at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) is poised to become significantly easier and faster for passengers. New airside transfer services and an underground walkway are currently in development, aiming to alleviate the current challenges of inter-terminal transit.
Currently, passengers often face lengthy bus rides through city traffic to connect between Terminals 1, 2, and 3, a journey that can take up to 30 minutes. The proposed enhancements are expected to be operational by the end of this year, contingent on receiving necessary security clearances.
Airside Transfers to Connect All Terminals
A key component of the upgrade involves establishing airside connectivity between Terminal 1 and Terminal 3, and also between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. This will involve deploying dedicated buses on the airport's internal periphery, operating under a hub-and-spoke model. This proposal has been submitted to the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) for approval, with implementation anticipated by mid-year.
Airside refers to the restricted operational areas of an airport, encompassing aprons, taxiways, runways, and aircraft parking stands, which are beyond the main terminal buildings.
Underground Walkway to Link T2 and T3 Metro Station
Another significant improvement is the construction of an underground walkway that will connect Terminal 2 directly with the Terminal 3 Airport Metro station. This passage will dramatically reduce the walking distance from approximately 750 meters to a mere 80 meters, cutting transit time from about 15-20 minutes to under 5 minutes. This is expected to be a major relief for passengers navigating the airport with luggage, eliminating the need to re-enter security queues for certain transfers.
Terminal 2 primarily handles domestic flights for airlines such as IndiGo, Air India Express, and Akasa, while Terminal 3 serves both domestic and international operations.
Improved Efficiency for Travelers
These initiatives are designed to create a much smoother and more efficient transit experience for millions of travelers passing through Delhi Airport annually. By reducing travel times and streamlining the transfer process, IGIA aims to enhance its reputation as a major aviation hub.