IGI Airport Prepares for Terminal 2 Reopening to Boost Passenger Flow

Upcoming Reopening of Terminal 2

The Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) in Delhi is gearing up for the reopening of its Terminal 2 by the end of September. This strategic move aims to enhance passenger flow, particularly benefiting domestic-to-international transfers by airlines like Air India and IndiGo. The reopening, combined with critical runway upgrades, is expected to elevate IGIA’s capacity to handle over 100 million passengers annually, marking it as India’s first airport to achieve such an accomplishment.

Terminal 2: Essential Support for Airlines

Terminal 2 has been strategically closed for repairs since April 15. Positioned in close proximity to IGIA’s only international terminal, T3, its reopening will mainly facilitate the domestic-international and international-domestic traffic for the Air India group and IndiGo. Notably, the airport’s main runway underwent upgrades starting June 15, focusing on enhancing the instrument landing system (ILS). Earlier projections indicated that the runway would reopen around September 15, but sources suggest that it may resume operations even a week earlier. The timeline aligns perfectly with the anticipated festive travel rush.

Capacity Milestone for IGIA

Following the reopening, IGIA will emerge as the first Indian airport to operate with a capacity exceeding 100 million passengers annually. This milestone is made possible by the effective operation of three terminals—T3 (with a capacity of 45 million), T1 (40 million), and T2 (15 million)—along with four runways and improved airside infrastructure. In 2024, IGIA accommodated approximately 78 million passengers, indicating substantial growth potential as capacity expands to nearly 140 million.

Future Considerations and Airport Management

There were initial discussions by Delhi International Airport Ltd regarding the possibility of closing Terminal 2, as they sought to assess the impact of the new commercial airport in the National Capital Region (NCR) on IGIA’s passenger numbers. Currently, the existing capacity of Terminals 1 and 3 stands at 85 million passengers, posing a challenge with the impending opening of Noida International Airport expected in October, which will feature a phase one capacity of 12 million.

Operational Insights for Airlines

Despite the discussions of mothballing T2, it will remain operational, given its proximity to T3, the only international terminal. IndiGo and Air India have substantial expansion plans with a significant number of aircraft on order. Therefore, T2 will be pivotal in supporting the increased traffic, specifically catering to the needs of these two airlines. An absence of an airport train linking T1 and the combined T3/T2 terminals has led to challenging transit experiences for travelers. The reopening of T2 will address these logistical concerns, significantly improving passenger transfer experiences.

The Bigger Picture: Emerging Needs in the Region

As the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) prepares for its second airport opening in Navi Mumbai, the scenario appears quite different, given that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport has already reached its operational peak. The new airport will initially cater to a capacity of 20 million passengers; however, forecasts indicate that airport demand in MMR will surpass this capacity right from day one.

Assessment of Terminal 2’s Longevity

With two commercial airports now operational in the NCR, the introduction of Noida International Airport may extend Terminal 2’s operational life, which originally opened in 1986. Depending on the effect of Noida airport on IGIA’s footfall, it is projected that T2 could remain active for another three to five years before plans for a larger Terminal 4 are put into motion.

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Заключение

The planned reopening of Terminal 2 at IGIA reflects a strategic effort to enhance passenger flow during peak travel seasons while expanding airport operational capabilities. With Terminal 2’s reinstatement, travelers can expect a smoother travel experience. Keep an eye out for the delightful travel experiences awaiting with the new phase of airport operations, including adventure activities, luxury travel options, and cultural workshops on GetExperience.