Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA), located in the southwestern part of Delhi, is the principal aviation hub serving India’s capital region. As one of the busiest airports in the world and the busiest in South Asia, IGIA exemplifies India’s growing prominence in global air travel and commerce. From humble beginnings to becoming a modern marvel of aviation infrastructure, this airport plays a crucial role in connecting India domestically and internationally.
A Brief History of Indira Gandhi International Airport
View this post on Instagram
Originally established in 1962, IGIA began its journey by taking over civil aviation operations from the older Safdarjung Airport, which could no longer handle the burgeoning demand for air travel. Over the decades, the airport steadily expanded its capacity, adding new runways, terminals, and services to meet the rising influx of passengers and aircraft. In 2006, its management was transferred to Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), a consortium led by the GMR Group, which accelerated its modernization and capacity expansion.
Terminal 3, one of the airport’s most iconic landmarks, was inaugurated in 2010 just before the Commonwealth Games held in Delhi, marking a milestone that positioned IGIA as a global aviation hub. Designed with cutting-edge facilities and a vast capacity, T3 became the center for both international traffic and premium domestic flights.
Strategic Importance and Global Ranking
Today, IGIA is far more than a transit point; it is an engine of economic activity and a national gateway to the world. According to the latest global airport traffic reports, Delhi Airport was ranked the ninth busiest in the world in 2024, surpassing major airports like Los Angeles and Paris in passenger traffic, with tens of millions of people traveling through its terminals annually.
Serving over 150 direct destinations worldwide, the airport connects India to key cities across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Americas. More than 60 international and domestic airlines operate here, including Air India, Emirates, Qatar Airways, British Airways, and Lufthansa, ensuring a truly global network.
Terminal Infrastructure and Facilities
One of IGIA’s greatest strengths is its comprehensive terminal infrastructure, which ensures smooth handling of passengers across different flight types:
Terminal 1 (T1)
Terminal 1 has been redeveloped into a modern domestic hub primarily serving low-cost carriers like IndiGo and SpiceJet. It was re-expanded in 2024 to integrate previous sub-terminals into a unified complex capable of handling up to 40 million passengers annually.
Terminal 2 (T2)
T2 is one of the older terminals, originally opened in 1986. After undergoing refurbishment, it was reopened in October 2025, and now handles significant domestic operations, particularly for Air India and IndiGo flights. Its modernization has helped the airport boost its capacity beyond the 100-million annual passenger mark — placing IGIA among a select group of global mega-airports.
Terminal 3 (T3)
The crown jewel of IGIA, T3 is one of the largest and most advanced airport terminals in the world. Spread over millions of square feet, this terminal handles the vast majority of international flights and premium domestic services. It features multiple aerobridges, extensive duty-free areas, lounges, immigration counters, and retail spaces designed for high passenger comfort.
All terminals are connected via a free shuttle service and integrated with Delhi’s metro network, providing efficient access to the city center and neighboring regions.
Runways and Airfield Capabilities
IGIA boasts multiple runways capable of handling heavy aircraft movements. The presence of advanced landing systems and ongoing upgrades help ensure operations even under challenging weather conditions. The airport’s runway infrastructure was temporarily adjusted in early 2026 for modernization work, with one runway scheduled to remain closed for about five months to enhance safety and future capacity.
Passenger Experience and Services
From check-in counters and automated immigration gates to world-class lounges and duty-free shopping, the airport offers a wide range of passenger services. IGIA has embraced digital transformation, with mobile check-in, automated systems, and biometric kiosks aimed at reducing wait times and enhancing convenience.
The airport also emphasizes sustainability: in recent years it became one of the few airports in Asia to achieve higher environmental performance ratings by reducing carbon emissions and implementing energy-efficient systems.
Challenges and Operational Hurdles
Despite its success, IGIA has faced challenges typical of mega-hubs. Weather conditions, especially dense fog in winter months, occasionally cause flight cancellations and delays, affecting hundreds of flights at a time. Additionally, occasional technical issues in air traffic control systems have disrupted operations, leading to delays and operational pressure during peak travel season.
These events underscore the complexities of managing such a high-traffic airport, particularly one in a densely populated metropolis with variable weather patterns.
Economic and Regional Impact
IGIA is not just a transportation hub — it is a driver of regional development. The airport supports thousands of jobs and stimulates sectors such as tourism, hospitality, logistics, and retail. Plans for surrounding development, such as Aerocity and expansion of cargo operations, aim to transform the airport’s vicinity into a thriving economic zone.
The airport’s continued growth also encourages investments in ancillary infrastructure — from metro connectivity to new highways and even proposals for India’s first automated people mover (air train) connecting terminals to cargo and city links, thus increasing passenger convenience significantly by 2027.
Looking Ahead: Expansion and Future Plans
Even as IGIA handles over 100 million passengers per year today, plans are already in motion to further expand its capacity. Future projects include additional piers at Terminal 3, new terminals such as Terminals 4, 5, and 6, and improvements in cargo handling. These expansions are expected to bring annual passenger handling potential close to 125 million by 2029-30, if not more.
This strategic foresight positions IGIA not just as India’s premier airport but as a global aviation hub capable of competing with the largest airports worldwide.
Conclusion
Indira Gandhi International Airport stands as a symbol of India’s aviation ambitions. It has evolved from a simple airfield to a global mega-hub, showcasing world-class infrastructure, high passenger throughput, and technological sophistication. With further expansion on the horizon, IGIA is set to deepen India’s connectivity with the world while offering millions of travelers a first-class experience on every journey. In an era of rapid globalization, IGIA continues to be the gateway that propels India into a connected future.
Girish 
Suman Gupta