A Guide to Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport
Most people traveling to India for the first time will fly through Indira Gandhi International Airport, the country’s busiest airport and the main international gateway to the country along with Mumbai Airport. Indira Gandhi International Airport has gone through a massive transformation in the past decade and now proudly ranks among the world’s best airports. The airport is one of the participating airports in India’s e-Tourist Visa program. You will be processed at Indira Ghandhi International Airport when you apply and receive your e-Tourist Visa online. As a major airport with over 45 million visitors last year we will help you navigate this busy transport hub with our guide. Should you plan a trip to India you should fill out an Indian Visa Application 4 days prior to your departure date.
Terminals
Indira Gandhi International Airport is divided into three terminals but with two only operating at the moment. Terminal 1 is a domestic terminal and Terminal 1D was completed in 2009 and is a modern and comfortable terminal with a capacity for up to 10 million passengers per year. All low cost flights take off from this terminal including all flights for GoAir, IndiGo and SpiceJet. Domestic flights from India’s major airlines such as Air India operate out of Terminal 3.
Terminal 3 is the airport’s main international terminal as well as home to Air India and Jet Airways, India’s largest airlines. Terminal 3 was completed in 2010 and is a state of the art airport terminal with ultra modern facilities. All international airlines fly to this terminal and the list includes airlines such as Aeroflot, Air Canada, Air China, Air France, Air India, British Airways, Emirates, KLM, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines and United Airlines. There are many shops, restaurants and cafes throughout the terminal.
Lounges
Indira Gandhi International Airport has a number of comfortable and luxurious lounges available for travelers flying in premium classes or with access to the lounges. In Terminal 1D you can find the Plaza Premium Lounge. In Terminal 3 you will find a Plaza Premium Lounge for domestic departures as well as one for international departures. Terminal 3 also has a ITC – Welcom Group Green Lounge. American Express premium cardholders also have access to the Centurion Lounge which is found near gates 27 and 28 in Terminal 3.
Shopping
There are many shops catering to all tastes found throughout the airport. In Terminal 3 there are shops that include Armani Jeans, Hugo Boss, Salvatore Ferragamo, Samsonite, Swarovski, TUMI and Victoria Secret. Delhi Duty Free is considered one of the best duty free shops of any international airport and has an incredible assortment of products ranging from perfumes to liquor.
Dining
You won’t be left hungry when flying through Indira Gandhi International Airport with its numerous dining options. In Terminal 3 you can find Costa Coffee, Curry Kitchen, Domino’s Pizza, HaagenDazs, McDonald’s and Starbucks. In Terminal 1D you will find many of the same restaurants as in Terminal 3 but also KFC and Pizza Hut.
Transport
Delhi is known for its traffic congestion so finding the quickest and easiest way to reach the airport is critical. The Delhi Airport Metro Express is a modern metro line that connects Indira Gandhi International Airport with the New Delhi station in New Delhi. The 22 km takes approximately 20 minutes, saving incredible time to travelers.
Other options to and from the airport include taking taxi or bus service via the Delhi Gurgaon Expressway. Be advised that congestion occurs very frequently and the trip in a taxi or bus can be very time consuming.
Transfer between terminals is done via the Inter Terminal Shuttle Service which has shuttle buses every 20 minutes between Terminal 1 and Terminal 3.
Indira Gandhi Airport in Delhi has undergone an impressive transformation and now proudly ranks among the top airports globally. It is also a very comfortable and well planned airport that will serve as an excellent introduction to the country for first time travelers to India.
