Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport is set to strengthen its position as India’s largest aviation hub, with plans to expand its annual passenger handling capacity from 100 million to 130 million. Operated by Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), a consortium led by the GMR Group, the upgrade aims to optimise existing infrastructure and introduce innovative systems to meet the rapidly increasing air travel demand.
Senior officials at DIAL confirmed that the capacity enhancement plan will primarily focus on Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. Terminal 1, which currently accommodates 40 million passengers, will see its capacity rise to 44 million. Meanwhile, Terminal 3—already operating beyond its initial design of 34 million passengers—is being enhanced through the addition of new piers, adding 10 to 12 million more to its capacity. Terminal 2, recently refurbished, will continue to handle around 15 million passengers annually. The expansion comes on the back of strong passenger growth, with Delhi Airport processing 79.3 million passengers in the financial year ending March 2024. The consistent surge in air traffic underscores India’s growing aviation market, with Delhi serving as a critical hub connecting major domestic and international routes.
Officials noted that the airport’s four-runway configuration, combined with efficient airside operations, positions it well to handle future traffic growth. A key innovation in the upgrade is the successful implementation of an airside baggage transfer system between Terminal 3 and Terminal 1. Operational for nearly nine months, the system enhances efficiency by reducing turnaround times and streamlining passenger connectivity between terminals. Experts believe that these developments reflect DIAL’s strategy to balance capacity expansion with sustainability and technological advancement. The airport has increasingly adopted green energy measures, electric ground handling equipment, and digital passenger solutions—steps that align with India’s goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions in aviation by 2070.
Industry analysts highlight that the airport’s expansion will also have a multiplier effect on Delhi’s economy, boosting tourism, trade, and employment while enhancing India’s competitiveness as a global aviation hub. The upgraded infrastructure is expected to ease congestion, improve service quality, and position Delhi among the world’s top airports in terms of passenger capacity and operational efficiency. As India’s aviation industry prepares for exponential growth driven by urbanisation, rising incomes, and expanding air routes, Delhi Airport’s upgrade represents both an infrastructural necessity and a strategic investment in the nation’s mobility future—paving the way for greener, smarter, and more inclusive air travel.
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