Delhi IGI Airport Terminal 2 reopens October 26 with smart upgrades
Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport is preparing to reopen its refurbished Terminal 2 on 26 October, after a five-month overhaul designed to reshape passenger journeys with faster, smarter and more sustainable solutions. The relaunch coincides with the winter travel season, when congestion and fog delays typically strain operations, promising relief for both airlines and flyers.
Airport authorities describe the reopening not as a cosmetic facelift but a transformation of the entire passenger experience. Technology sits at the heart of the upgrade. For the first time in India, autonomous docking aerobridges have been installed, automatically aligning with aircraft doors to cut turnaround time. Six such bridges are now in place, ensuring quicker and safer boarding and deboarding.
Equally significant is the rollout of self-baggage drop counters. Passengers can now scan their boarding passes, tag bags themselves, and deposit luggage without queueing at staffed counters. Officials explained that this will allow travellers to move from entry to security in minutes, making the airport journey far more efficient.The redesign also addresses long-standing safety and comfort concerns. New mechanical and electrical systems, a robust fire-safety network, and enhanced crowd management tools have been added. Security screening has been upgraded for tighter checks while maintaining faster movement. To ease navigation, signage has been simplified, brighter, and strategically placed. A new high-resolution flight information display system provides real-time updates across the terminal.
The interiors have been re-imagined with skylight designs, modern ceilings and reworked flooring to create a sense of openness. Access roads and exterior layouts have also been streamlined to reduce congestion outside the terminal. Authorities say inclusivity has been prioritised with new amenities for passengers with disabilities.The refurbished T2 will operate 120 domestic flights daily, largely handled by IndiGo and Air India, redistributing passenger traffic more evenly across terminals during peak season. Apron and airside operations have also been upgraded to allow smoother aircraft movement.
Experts note that the transformation reflects a global trend of airports embracing digital automation and sustainable design. By reducing wait times, minimising idling vehicles at pickup points, and introducing energy-efficient systems, the terminal upgrade contributes to lowering carbon emissions and aligns with goals for greener, people-centric airports Officials stressed that the reopening of T2 is not just about infrastructure, but about redefining the passenger journey at one of Asia’s busiest airports. With winter travel approaching, the combination of smart technology and modern design is expected to ease congestion and provide a more seamless, equitable travel experience.
