PM Modi Inaugurates Expanded Terminal 1 At Delhi's IGI Airport, Doubling Capacity To 40 Million Passengers

The Delhi International Airport has officially become India's largest airport with a capacity of 100 million passengers. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the expanded integrated Terminal 1 virtually on Sunday (10 March).

The expansion, led by GMR Airports Infrastructure Ltd-led Delhi International Airport Ltd, began in 2019 as part of Phase 3A expansion. The expanded Terminal 1 can now handle 40 million passengers per annum, doubling its previous capacity.

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The airport, which has three terminals, aims to enhance passenger experience and embrace sustainability as per a report by The Economic Times.

The expanded Terminal 1 features a consolidated arrival and departure facility, increasing the overall area from 55,740 square meters to 206,950 square meters. New facilities include a Facial Recognition System, Automated Tray

Retrieval System, Individual Carrier System, Common Usage Self Service, and 100 check-in counters, among others. Baggage handling capacity has increased to 6,000 baggage/hour, and there are 22 contact stands for passenger boarding bridges.

Other projects under Phase 3A include the construction of a new 4.43-kilometer-long fourth runway, making Delhi International Airport the only airport in the country with four operational runways.

Additionally, dual elevated Cross Taxiways have been constructed on the Eastern side of the airport, connecting the Northern airfield with the Southern airfield.

The expansion of Terminal 3 will enhance its capacity from 34 million to 45 million passengers per annum.

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