Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) in New Delhi is India’s busiest aviation hub, serving tens of millions of passengers each year. Comprising three main terminals — Terminal 1, Terminal 2 (T2), and Terminal 3 — and four runways, IGIA handles over 1,300 daily flight movements, making it one of the world’s most active airport complexes.
Among these, Terminal 2 occupies a unique place in Delhi’s civil aviation network: it represents both the history of air travel in the Indian capital and a renewed vision for modern, passenger-centric airport design.
A Glimpse into the Terminal’s History
Constructed more than four decades ago, Terminal 2 initially served as a primary passenger gateway at IGIA, accommodating domestic flights and connecting regional cities across India. Over time, as air traffic grew exponentially, operations shifted more toward the newly developed Terminal 3. Yet T2 remained an important asset in managing domestic traffic — until its temporary closure in April 2025 for a comprehensive upgrade.
The closure was part of a broader strategy to modernize older facilities at IGIA and distribute flight operations more efficiently across terminals. With T1 and T3 being upgraded in stages, T2’s refurbishment was timed to coincide with returning traffic demand, ensuring the airport could handle peak seasonal flows without congestion.
Rebirth: The 2025 Revamp and Reopening
On October 26, 2025, after nearly half a year of renovation, Terminal 2 officially reopened to the public with a host of new features and improvements. Around 120 domestic flights operated by major carriers like Air India and IndiGo were shifted into T2, helping redistribute load among the airport’s terminals and improve passenger flow.
The reopening coincided with the start of the winter flight schedule, one of the busiest periods in Indian civil aviation, underscoring the terminal’s strategic importance in handling high travel demand.
Modern and Passenger-Focused Facilities
The upgraded Terminal 2 at IGIA blends advanced infrastructure with a focus on speed, convenience, and accessibility. Here’s what sets the revamped terminal apart:
1. Self Baggage Drop (SBD) — Faster Check-Ins
One of the most noticeable additions is the Self Baggage Drop (SBD) system. This facility allows passengers to scan their boarding pass, tag their luggage, and drop it off without waiting in long queues for airline counters — significantly reducing check-in times and streamlining passenger flow.
2. World-First Boarding Bridges with Autonomous Docking
Terminal 2 now features six new passenger boarding bridges equipped with autonomous docking technology — the first of its kind in India. These advanced bridges enhance safety and boarding speed while offering features such as elevated ramps for wheelchair access and safety-optimized design elements.
3. DigiYatra and Virtual Assistance
The terminal embraces digital transformation with DigiYatra services — a facial recognition-based system that helps passengers breeze past security using biometric verification. In addition, a virtual information desk provides real-time flight information, directions, lounge details, and other assistance, all designed to reduce confusion and improve wayfinding.
4. Bright, Spacious Interiors
Architectural improvements create a modern and welcoming environment. Skylights and redesigned ceilings flood the terminal with natural light, while new flooring and clearer signage ensure durability and ease of movement. These changes not only enhance aesthetics but also help travelers feel less stressed and more oriented within the space.
5. Safety and Comfort Enhancements
Upgraded infrastructure includes modern HVAC systems for better air quality and temperature control, reinforced fire safety mechanisms, and an advanced Flight Information Display System (FIDS) that delivers high-resolution updates in real time. These improvements are critical for meeting international standards of comfort and operational safety.
6. Accessibility and Connectivity
Clear wayfinding signage, better accessibility for persons with reduced mobility, and improved road connectivity to the terminal make T2 easier to navigate for all travellers. Whether it’s first-time flyers or those needing special assistance, the terminal’s layout reflects a more inclusive design philosophy.
Impact on Airport Operations
The revamped Terminal 2 has significantly enhanced IGIA’s capacity and efficiency. With T1, T2, and T3 all operational, the airport’s annual passenger handling capacity has surpassed 100 million — a remarkable achievement for India’s flagship aviation gateway.
Redistributing flights across T2 also helps reduce congestion at other terminals, improving overall turnaround times, baggage handling efficiency, and passenger comfort. This balance is especially important given the forecasted growth in domestic travel, where the demand for reliable and user-friendly facilities continues to rise.
What This Means for Travellers
For passengers flying domestically in India, the new Terminal 2 represents a more efficient, accessible, and modern air travel experience. Faster check-in, smoother boarding, and improved passenger services reduce stress and waiting times — critical factors during peak travel periods. Additionally, the digital innovations help move the airport closer to a paperless, seamless journey mindset that airports worldwide are adopting.
As airlines like IndiGo and Air India reintroduce daily services from T2, passengers will have more flexibility in choosing arrival and departure points within IGIA, tailoring their travel plans to convenience rather than terminal constraints.
Looking Ahead
Terminal 2’s transformation is more than just an infrastructure upgrade — it marks a new chapter in India’s aviation narrative. As air travel demand continues to grow exponentially, investments in smarter, scalable, and passenger-centric facilities will be vital. With T2 now operating at a higher level of technology and comfort, IGIA stands poised to serve future generations of travellers with world-class service standards.
In the coming years, Terminal 2 will likely continue to evolve in tandem with broader expansions at Delhi Airport (including plans for new terminals and enhanced runway capacity). But as it stands today, T2 exemplifies how thoughtful design, technology, and strategic planning can reshape the airport experience for millions.
Girish 
Suman Gupta