Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi

Historical Evolution

IGIA’s origins trace back to the 1930s when it was established as Palam Airport, initially serving as a Royal Air Force base during World War II to support Allied military operations in Asia. After India gained independence in 1947, the airport continued as an Indian Air Force station. However, with the rise of commercial aviation, the government shifted passenger operations from Safdarjung Airport to Palam in 1962 to accommodate increasing air traffic.

The airport initially had a modest capacity, handling around 1,300 passengers per hour. To meet growing demand, a new terminal was constructed in 1969, followed by a major expansion in 1986 with the inauguration of Terminal 2. This expansion increased capacity fourfold and coincided with the renaming of the airport to Indira Gandhi International Airport, in honor of the late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, who had passed away in 1984.

Transition to Modern Aviation Hub

 

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By the early 2000s, Terminals 1 and 2 were overwhelmed due to exponential growth in passenger numbers and airline operations. In response, the Indian government adopted a public-private partnership model, transferring airport management to Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) in 2006. This consortium includes the GMR Group, Fraport AG, Malaysia Airports, and the Airports Authority of India.

One of the landmark developments under DIAL’s stewardship was the construction of Terminal 3, inaugurated in 2010. Terminal 3 is one of the largest airport terminals globally, covering approximately 5.4 million square feet and boosting the airport’s capacity by 34 million passengers annually. It integrates both domestic and international operations for major airlines, featuring state-of-the-art facilities such as 168 check-in counters, 78 aerobridges, and advanced immigration and security systems.

Infrastructure and Facilities

IGIA currently operates three passenger terminals:

• Terminal 1: The oldest terminal, primarily serving low-cost domestic carriers like IndiGo and SpiceJet. It was renovated recently to better serve domestic passengers and now includes sub-terminals 1C (arrivals) and 1D (departures).
• Terminal 2: Initially the main international terminal, it now handles some domestic flights and has been revamped to accommodate shifting airline operations.
• Terminal 3: The flagship terminal designed to handle both international and select domestic flights, equipped with modern amenities, automated systems, and enhanced passenger comfort.

The airport also features a dedicated technical area controlled by the Indian Air Force for VVIP movements and military operations.

Connectivity to the city is seamless, with the Delhi Metro’s Airport Express Line linking IGIA to central Delhi and the Delhi-Gurgaon Expressway facilitating road access. The airport has embraced technological innovations such as biometric security checks, paperless boarding, and AI-powered systems to enhance passenger experience.

Sustainability and Future Expansion

IGIA has made significant strides toward sustainability, incorporating solar power generation, LED lighting, rainwater harvesting, and wastewater treatment to reduce its environmental footprint. These initiatives align with its status as the first carbon-neutral airport in the Asia-Pacific region.

Looking ahead, IGIA is undergoing further expansion with the construction of a fourth runway and plans for additional terminals (Terminal 4 and Terminal 5). These developments aim to increase the airport’s capacity to over 100 million passengers annually by 2030, reflecting India’s growing prominence in global aviation.

Cultural and Historical Significance

Beyond its operational role, IGIA houses the Air Force Museum, showcasing historic photographs, uniforms, memorabilia, and aircraft, offering visitors a glimpse into India’s aviation and military heritage. The airport has also been a venue for major international events, including the G-20 Summit and the Commonwealth Games, underscoring its strategic importance.

Conclusion

Indira Gandhi International Airport exemplifies India’s journey from a modest airstrip to a world-class aviation hub. Its evolution from a wartime airbase to a sprawling international gateway mirrors the country’s economic growth and increasing integration with the global community. With continuous infrastructure upgrades, technological advancements, and sustainability efforts, IGIA is poised to remain a vital link connecting India to the world for decades to come.