Indira Gandhi International Airport

Welcome to Indira Gandhi International Airport — the main aerial gateway to India and one of the busiest aviation hubs in South Asia. Located in the heart of the capital region, this airport is not just a transport facility but a true symbol of modern India, combining advanced technology with rich cultural heritage. For millions of tourists, their acquaintance with this amazing country begins right here. Being the first airport in India with four runways, it efficiently handles a colossal passenger flow, offering travellers world-class service.

Indira Gandhi Airport is renowned for its thoughtful infrastructure and high level of passenger comfort. Its main pride is Terminal 3, opened in 2010. This vast and modern complex serves all international and most domestic flights. It features 168 check-in counters and 78 aerobridges, which significantly speeds up the boarding process. For passenger convenience, a complimentary bus runs between terminals every 20 minutes.

Travellers have access to an extensive duty-free shopping area, numerous restaurants and cafes to suit every taste, comfortable lounge zones, hotels, and even special sleeping pods (Nap Suites) for transit passengers. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the premises. Excellent transport accessibility is one of the airport's key advantages: the dedicated Airport Express metro line allows you to reach the centre of New Delhi in just 20 minutes, bypassing city traffic. All this makes the airport not just a waypoint, but a convenient and pleasant start or conclusion to your journey through India.

To ensure your journey runs smoothly, we have compiled the essential contact information for Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL). Save these details in case you require assistance or advice.

• Official Website: The most up-to-date information on flights, services, and regulations can always be found on the airport's official portal: www.newdelhiairport.in.
• Helpdesk Phone: For 24/7 enquiries, you can call: +91 124 4797300 or +91 124 3376000.
• Airport Address: Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi, Delhi 110037, India.
• Email: For feedback and general queries, you can use the contact form on the official website.
• Social Media: Follow airport news and updates on their official pages on Facebook, Twitter (X), and Instagram.
• Lost Baggage Information: If you have lost items within the terminal, contact the "Lost & Found" service. If your luggage was lost during a flight, you must contact your airline directly. All necessary information and contacts are available on the airport website.
• Passenger Support Contacts: Assistance can be obtained by calling the helpdesk or by approaching staff at information counters within the airport terminals.

Reaching Indira Gandhi International Airport, the main aerial gateway of Delhi, is possible via several convenient methods. The choice depends on your budget, amount of luggage, and available time. One of the fastest and most reliable options is the Delhi Airport Metro Express. The Orange Metro Line directly connects the city centre (New Delhi Railway Station) with Terminal 3. The journey takes only about 20-25 minutes. This is a modern, air-conditioned, and comfortable train that allows you to avoid the famous capital traffic jams. The ticket price is quite affordable, making the metro an excellent choice for most tourists.

For the most budget-conscious travellers, there are Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses. Special shuttles operate around the clock on various routes, connecting the airport with many parts of the city, including major transport hubs like the Inter State Bus Terminal (ISBT). Although this is the cheapest method, be prepared for the journey to take significantly longer, especially during peak hours — from 1 to 1.5 hours or more. This is a good option if you are travelling light and are not in a rush.

If you value comfort and are travelling with a lot of luggage, a taxi or transfer would be the best solution. Mobile taxi apps like Uber and Ola are popular in India, offering rides at fixed or estimated rates. Additionally, pre-paid taxi counters operate in the city and at terminal exits, where you pay for the trip at an official rate beforehand, eliminating price disputes with the driver. Travel time by car depends heavily on the traffic situation and can vary from 45 minutes to one and a half hours.

For those who prefer complete freedom of movement, car rental is available. Many international and local rental companies have offices both in the city and at the airport. If you are arriving in your own or a rented vehicle, multi-level parking at the terminals is at your service. It offers options for both short-term and long-term parking, ensuring the safety of your vehicle. Tip: Regardless of the chosen method, always allocate extra time for the journey to avoid missing your flight.

Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi is the main aviation hub of India and one of the busiest in Asia. It consists of several terminals, but three are key for passengers: Terminal 1 (T1), Terminal 2 (T2), and Terminal 3 (T3). Understanding them correctly is the key to a calm start and end to your journey.

Terminal 3 (T3) is the airport's most modern and largest terminal. It handles all international flights, as well as domestic flights by full-service airlines such as Air India, Vistara, and others. The structure of T3 is intuitive: the departure zone is located on the upper levels, and arrivals on the lower ones. Here you will find a vast number of shops, restaurants, and lounges. Thanks to its integrated structure, passengers transferring from an international to a domestic flight (or vice versa) within the same alliance can do so without leaving the terminal building.

Terminals 1 (T1) and 2 (T2) mainly specialize in serving domestic flights for budget airlines (low-cost carriers) such as IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Akasa Air. Terminal 1 is the primary hub for low-cost carriers. Terminal 2 also accepts some flights from these carriers to relieve congestion at T1. It is important to note that T1 and T2 are located at a significant distance from T3, and there is no pedestrian connection between them.

A complimentary shuttle bus runs for transfers between terminals. The journey between T3 and T1/T2 takes about 15-20 minutes. Shuttles run 24/7 with an interval of approximately 20 minutes. To use the shuttle, you may be required to show your boarding pass or ticket for the next flight. Taxis are also available, but the shuttle is the most convenient and economical option.

Check-in and security procedures can take varying amounts of time. For international flights from T3, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 3-4 hours before departure, as queues for passport control and security can be long. For domestic flights from any terminal, arriving 2 hours prior is usually sufficient. Departure and arrival zones are clearly separated, and navigation through the airport is facilitated by numerous signs in English and Hindi.

The main advice for travellers: always check in advance which terminal your flight departs from. This information is indicated on your ticket or the airline's website. Some carriers, such as IndiGo, may operate flights from different terminals depending on the destination. Allocate enough time for moving between terminals if you have a transfer scheduled from an international flight to a domestic low-cost flight or vice versa.

The history of Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) begins long before it received its modern name. Originally, it was known as Palam Airport and was built during World War II for the needs of the Royal Air Force of British India. After the country gained independence, it became the primary civil airport for Delhi, serving both domestic and international flights.

A pivotal moment in the airport's development was 1986. In that year, a new international terminal (now known as Terminal 2) was opened, and the entire airport complex was officially renamed in honour of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. This event marked the beginning of a new era, transforming the airport into the country's main aerial gateway.

The most massive transformation occurred in the 21st century. In 2006, management of the airport was transferred to the DIAL consortium (Delhi International Airport Limited), initiating a global reconstruction. The culmination of this process was the opening in 2010 of the ultra-modern Terminal 3, built in record time for the Commonwealth Games. This terminal not only multiplied the capacity but also set new standards for comfort and passenger service in the region.

Today, Indira Gandhi Airport is not just a transport hub, but a symbol of the rapid development of modern India. It regularly receives prestigious awards from Airports Council International (ACI) as one of the best airports in the world in its category for service quality. The airport is the busiest in the country and one of the liveliest in Asia, serving tens of millions of passengers annually.

An interesting fact: the original name of the airport, Palam, comes from the village of the same name on whose territory it was built. Today it is a bustling district, but the name reminds us of the humble origins of this giant aviation complex that has become the pride of the nation.

Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi offers passengers a wide range of services to make waiting for a flight as comfortable and productive as possible. Here, every traveller will find everything they need, from diverse dining establishments to modern business zones.

For gourmets and shopping enthusiasts, the airport features numerous restaurants, cafes, and food courts, offering both Indian and international cuisine. After a hearty meal, you can go shopping at Duty Free stores, boutiques of famous brands, souvenir shops, or electronics stores. The selection of goods is truly impressive, ranging from traditional Indian items to the latest global brand releases.

For those who value enhanced comfort, waiting halls and VIP lounges are available. In these, you can relax in a quiet atmosphere, enjoy snacks and beverages, and make use of shower facilities. Complimentary Wi-Fi is active throughout the airport territory, and numerous charging stations for gadgets allow you to stay connected at all times.

Business travellers can utilise the services of business centres and conference rooms, equipped with everything necessary for work and meetings. If you need a proper rest between flights, hotels of various categories are located right in the transit zone and in immediate proximity to the terminals.

Financial matters are easily resolved at the airport: ATMs, bank branches, and currency exchange points are at your service. In case of unforeseen health situations, a medical centre operates around the clock to provide qualified assistance. For passengers with children, special baby care rooms are provided, and for travellers with reduced mobility, all necessary infrastructure is available, including ramps, lifts, and assistance services.

Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi offers passengers a huge selection of establishments for every taste and budget. It is practically impossible to stay hungry here — from authentic Indian cuisine to world-famous fast-food chains, the airport is ready to satisfy the requests of the most diverse travellers.

The majority of restaurants and cafes are concentrated in Terminal 3, which serves international and most domestic flights. In the departure zone (airside), after passing passport control and security, you will find an extensive food court. Giants such as McDonald's, Burger King, KFC, and Starbucks are represented here, perfect for a quick and familiar snack. For those wishing to experience local cuisine, we highly recommend visiting Haldiram's, which serves excellent North Indian dishes (thali, chaat, samosas), or Vaango, specialising in South Indian delicacies like dosa and idli. Besides the food court, Terminal 3 has numerous full-service restaurants where you can quietly have lunch or dinner before departure, as well as lounges and venues for those wishing to relax with a beverage.

In Terminals 1 and 2, serving mainly low-cost carriers, the choice of establishments is more modest but quite sufficient. Coffee shops, snack bars, and fast-food outlets are also available here. In the arrival zones (landside) of all terminals, cafes operate where you can have a coffee and a snack while waiting for people meeting you or a taxi.

Travellers with special dietary needs will feel comfortable at the airport. Vegetarian dishes (marked as "Veg") are available in practically every establishment, which is the norm for India. Finding Vegan, Halal, and gluten-free options will also be easy, especially in Indian restaurants where many dishes are prepared based on rice, lentils, and vegetables. The price range varies from budget fast food to more expensive premium restaurants. Most establishments in the transit zone of Terminal 3 operate 24/7 to serve passengers on night flights.

Travelling through Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi can be comfortable if you prepare in advance. This is one of the busiest airports in India, so we recommend arriving early: 3-4 hours before international flights and 2-3 hours before domestic ones. This will give you enough time in case of queues and unforeseen delays.

To save time, use online check-in for your flight. Strict security rules apply at Delhi Airport. Be prepared that your ticket and passport may be checked at the terminal entrance. When passing through security, you must remove all electronic devices and liquids from your hand luggage. Sometimes additional checks are possible at the boarding gate.

To choose the best seat on the plane, we advise checking in for the flight as early as possible. Window seats will offer you beautiful views during takeoff and landing, while aisle seats provide more legroom and quick access to the washroom. Use special websites to study the cabin layout of your aircraft and avoid unfavourable seats, for example, near the toilets or with limited recline.

Hand luggage rules are generally standard: liquids are permitted in containers up to 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag. Sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances are prohibited. Pay special attention to power banks: they can only be carried in hand luggage, and there may be restrictions on their capacity. Lighters are typically confiscated at security.

If you have a transfer in Delhi, clarify the arrival and departure terminals in advance. The main international terminal is T3, but domestic flights may operate from T1 or T2. Free shuttle buses run between terminals, but you should allocate at least 1-1.5 hours for the transfer. When transferring from an international flight to a domestic one, you will need to pass passport control, collect your luggage, and check it in again.

At customs control in Delhi Airport, "Green" and "Red" channels operate. If you have no goods to declare, confidently go through the "Green" channel. Be attentive to the allowances for duty-free goods, tobacco products, and valuables. If you are carrying new expensive electronics, it is better to have a receipt to confirm their value.

To save money, bring an empty reusable water bottle — after security, it can be filled at drinking fountains. Food prices at the airport are quite high, so a light snack from home would not be amiss. The fastest and most budget-friendly way to reach the city is to use the Airport Express metro line. If you prefer a taxi, book it at official pre-paid counters in the arrival hall to avoid inflated prices.

In case of a flight delay, remain calm. First of all, contact a representative of your airline to find out about your rights to food, drinks, or hotel accommodation. Delhi Airport offers many options for waiting: from shops and restaurants to paid lounges with enhanced comfort (access to some is possible via Priority Pass cards or certain bank cards) and even capsule hotels.