IGI to Expand International Flight Capacity at T3 to Meet Growing Demand
Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) is preparing for a significant expansion to meet the growing demand for international flights. With a surge in both domestic and international passenger numbers, the airport is planning to convert a domestic pier at Terminal 3 (T3) to accommodate more international passengers. This move comes in response to the booming operations of Air India and IndiGo, which have dramatically increased their international flight offerings.
Currently, T3, the airport’s sole terminal handling international traffic, is operating at overcapacity. It is designed to handle 6.5 crore (65 million) passengers annually, with 2 crore (20 million) international passengers and 4.5 crore (45 million) domestic flyers. In 2024, T3 exceeded its international passenger capacity by handling over 2.1 crore international flyers. This demand, coupled with an expected rise in international traffic, has prompted the need for swift action to expand the terminal’s capacity. The conversion of a domestic pier to international use will increase T3’s international capacity by around 1 crore (10 million) passengers annually, although this will reduce the domestic capacity by the same number. The move comes as part of a larger strategic plan, with the airport’s domestic capacity set to increase following the full operationalisation of Terminal 1 (T1) in a few months. Once T1 is up and running, the combined domestic capacity of Terminals 1, 2, and 3 will reach 10 crore (100 million) passengers annually.
DIAL (Delhi International Airport Ltd) plans to mitigate the reduction in domestic capacity at T3 until additional infrastructure is developed. One of the key developments is the addition of Pier E at T3, which will have the capacity to handle 1 crore (10 million) additional passengers annually by mid-2027. However, until Pier E is completed, there are concerns regarding domestic-to-international transfer passengers. Currently, passengers needing to transfer between terminals will have to use buses, with no airtrain connection available until at least 2027. This delay could result in inconveniences for a significant number of transit passengers, particularly those with connecting flights or luggage. Terminal 2, which is exclusively domestic, is set to handle up to 1.5 crore (15 million) passengers annually for the next 2-4 years. However, it will eventually be demolished to make way for a much larger Terminal 4, which could accommodate up to 4 crore (40 million) passengers. DIAL had initially considered converting T2 into an international terminal, but this plan was shelved due to the complexity and cost of installing necessary infrastructure, such as immigration and customs facilities.
The increased international focus is a direct result of the rapid expansion plans by both Air India and IndiGo. Air India, now under the ownership of the Tata Group, is aggressively expanding its international routes with a record number of aircraft orders. IndiGo, which has ordered wide-bodied aircraft to start long-haul international flights, is also poised for rapid international expansion. In light of these developments, airport officials have recognised the need to quickly boost international capacity to prevent a potential congestion crisis in the future. An airport official highlighted the significance of this shift, explaining, “While we have sufficient domestic capacity for the next few years, it’s the international side where we need to focus now. If we don’t act soon, we will face a capacity crunch.” The rapid expansion of Air India and IndiGo underscores the need for IGIA to evolve into a true aviation hub for India, meeting the demands of these carriers’ ambitious growth plans. As India’s aviation industry continues to soar, the expansion of IGI’s international capacity is a necessary step to ensure it remains a central player in global air travel. With an expected growth in both international and transit passengers, this strategic expansion will not only alleviate current congestion but will position the airport as a leading hub in the region.
