Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) guide for Indian flyers — terminals T1, T2 and T3, Airport Express Metro and taxi to the city, lounges, and the busiest routes from Delhi. Reviewed 2026.
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Quick answer: Indira Gandhi International (DEL) is India's busiest airport, in Palam, about 15 km southwest of central New Delhi (roughly 30-60 minutes by road depending on traffic). It runs three passenger terminals: T1 and the upgraded T2 (both domestic) plus the large T3 for all international flights and many domestic services. The Airport Express Metro links T3 to New Delhi station in under 25 minutes. Busiest routes include Mumbai, Bengaluru and the Gulf. The key thing to know: confirm your exact terminal with your airline before leaving home, as it varies by flight number. Verify details on the official DIAL site.
Last reviewed July 2026 by the FlightGPT flights desk · airport facts cross-checked against the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and the airport operator · live Delhi fares are found in the FlightGPT search above.
DEL has three terminals. T3 handles all international flights plus many domestic ones (Air India, Akasa and others); major foreign carriers like Emirates, Qatar Airways, Lufthansa and Singapore Airlines use T3. T1 and the refreshed T2 (reopened October 2025) handle domestic flights, with IndiGo split across T1/T2/T3 and Air India Express, SpiceJet and Akasa largely at T1. Terminals are separate buildings; a free DIAL inter-terminal shuttle connects them. Always check your boarding terminal by flight number on the official site.
IndiGo is the dominant domestic carrier (spread across T1, T2 and T3), with Air India, Air India Express, Akasa Air and SpiceJet also flying domestically. T3 hosts international airlines including Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad, Lufthansa, British Airways, Singapore Airlines and Thai. Common destinations span Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Chennai and Goa domestically, and Dubai, Doha, London, Singapore and Bangkok internationally.
T3 has the widest lounge choice, with operators such as Encalm and Plaza Premium in both the domestic and international zones; T1 and T2 also offer lounges. Access is typically via eligible credit/debit cards, Priority Pass or DragonPass, business-class tickets, or pay-at-the-door walk-in. Lounges can hit capacity during peak evening international departures. Check current operators, locations and entry policies on the official airport site.
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All international flights and many domestic flights use T3. IndiGo operates from T1, T2 and T3 depending on the flight, while Air India Express, SpiceJet and Akasa are mainly at T1. Always confirm your terminal by flight number on your airline app or the official DIAL site before travelling.
Yes. Connect to the airport WiFi network, enter your mobile number and verify with an OTP to get online; international travellers without an Indian SIM can get access credentials at an information desk or WiFi kiosk. Coverage is generally reliable across the terminals.
Arrive about 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3-4 hours before an international flight, more during peak periods. Check-in typically closes around 60 minutes before domestic departures and about 75 minutes before international ones; confirm exact cut-offs with your airline.
The Airport Express Metro from T3 reaches New Delhi station in under 25 minutes and is the most reliable option. Otherwise use app cabs, prepaid/radio taxis from the arrivals counters, or AC buses. Allow extra time in heavy traffic.
Yes, paid short-stay and long-stay parking is available at multi-level car parks, including a Park & Fly long-stay zone at T3 with centralised payment stations. Rates vary by duration and terminal; check current charges on the official airport site.
Yes. The Aerocity district just outside the airport has many branded hotels across price points, plus transit options for short layovers. It is a short ride from the terminals; pre-booking a hotel shuttle or cab is easiest.
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