Delhi Airport’s Terminal-1 Ready For Takeoff, PM Modi Likely To Unveil Revamped Facility This Month

Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) is gearing up for the inauguration of its revamped Terminal-1 (T1) later this month, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi expected to do the honours.

The new terminal spans an impressive 169,000 square metres, making it two-and-a-half times larger than its predecessor. It has also introduced a host of convenient amenities for travelers, significantly expediting departures and arrivals.

"The terminal-1 is all set to be made operational and is awaiting to be inaugurated by PM Modi. The terminal will be inaugurated around 25 February,” writes Hindustan Times, quoting an airport official.

The Delhi International Airport Ltd, led by the GMR Airport consortium and responsible for operating the Delhi airport, has undertaken the task of merging departure terminal-T1D and arrival terminal-T1C into an integrated terminal-1.

The expansion plan emphasises passenger convenience and includes the installation of aerobridges, dubbed "smart aprons" by the airport operator. These bridges will facilitate seamless access to aircraft, similar to the experience at terminal-3.

Additionally, terminal-1 will feature 108 common use self-service check-in kiosks, allowing passengers to access multiple airlines' check-in services from one device.

Furthermore, the terminal boasts a state-of-the-art baggage handling system known as the 'Individual Carrier System', ensuring 100 per cent baggage tracking without compromising efficiency.

Other enhancements at the terminal include expanded parking space, additional baggage carousels, and more pickup arrival lanes.

With the inauguration of T1, terminal-2 is slated for temporary closure to undergo transformation into a concourse for short-haul international flights. This transition, expected to last three to six months, aims to increase passenger capacity by 8-9 million over the next few years, effectively meeting demand.