Delhi Airport gets swanky new expanded Terminal 1! Top facts and stunning images of new IGI airport T1 you shouldn’t miss

Delhi airport gets swanky new expanded Terminal 1! On Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the newly expanded Terminal 1 of Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport. The expanded terminal, according to Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), the airport operator, is expected to commence operations by May. This expansion project was one of the 15 airport projects inaugurated by the PM from Azamgarh. We take a look at all the comforts passengers can look forward to in the newly expanded Delhi airport T1:

Following its expansion, Terminal 1 (T-1) is projected to accommodate 40 million passengers annually, more than doubling its current capacity. With this expansion, Delhi airport will join the exclusive league of airports globally capable of handling 100 million passengers per annum (MPPA), according to DIAL. Terminal 3 currently serves around 45 MPPA, while Terminal 2 caters to approximately 15-17 MPPA. The total area of T-1 has expanded from 55,740 sqm to 206,950 sqm.​

Previously lacking aerobridges, the renovated T-1 will now feature 22 passenger boarding bridges, enhancing convenience for travelers and reducing boarding time. Passengers will be able to directly access the aircraft without the need for bus transportation.

The expanded T-1 is equipped with a facial recognition system (DigiYatra) at all entry gates, along with 20 automated tray retrieval systems and individual carrier systems. Additionally, it boasts 108 common usage self-service facilities and 100 check-in counters, including 36 self-baggage-drop kiosks.

The new Terminal 1 (T-1), which consolidates both arrival and departure terminals under one roof, features 10 baggage reclaim carousels, each spanning 70 meters in length, compared to the previous eight carousels measuring 52 meters each. The increased space between two baggage belts aims to reduce waiting times for passengers.

The baggage handling system capacity at T-1 is set to double from 3,240 bags per hour to approximately 6,000 bags per hour. Additionally, the number of check-in islands will rise to five from four, facilitating smoother passenger flow. The integrated terminal will offer 24 entry points for enhanced accessibility.

Videh Kumar Jaipuriar, the CEO of Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), mentioned that the operational readiness process and airport transfer procedures are underway. Due to the involvement of various agencies, personnel need to familiarize themselves with the systems at the new Terminal 1 (T-1) before it becomes fully operational.

To enhance the experience of passengers with reduced mobility (PRM) at T-1, DIAL has designated zones for PRMs on the kerbside, which include lounge facilities, phones, and sunflower services. Additionally, DIAL has established zones with elevated seating for PRMs inside the terminal.