Navigating Indira Gandhi International Airport
New Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport handles more flights than any other airport in South Asia. It is the major airport for the capital city of New Delhi and the surrounding area of Delhi.
IGI: An Airport In Flux
Indira Gandhi International Airport, better known as IGI, is an airport that is currently far too small for the passenger traffic it carries. With hundreds more flights per day than it was designed to deal with, the airport is overcrowded and overwhelmed. However, travel experts have known this, and have planned for it.
The entire airport is being redesigned as part of a master plan, due to be completed as traffic growth passes certain levels. Airfare prices are not expected to change as the airport's design changes.
International Travel Through Terminal 2
Currently, Terminal 2 is responsible for all international flights, while Terminal 1 handles all domestic flights. Both terminals are old, but have recently seen significant upgrades. Virtually everything within Terminal 2 has been replaced, from better flooring to better window glass to new belts and immigration counters. The changes have made the terminal a much more hospitable place for passengers.
What To Expect In Years To Come
Terminal 3 is set to be the third largest terminal in the world, surpassed only by terminals in Dubai and Beijing. The building is already well under construction, and is expected to start operation around July 2010, but no later than October 2010.
After the terminal is built, passengers should expect an adjustment time; Terminals 2 and 3 will work together to handle international flights, which means that travel between the two terminals might become necessary.
As airfare to IGI becomes increasingly feasible, two new terminals will be built. Only after Terminal 4 is constructed will the old Terminal 2 be completely phased out and ultimately torn down. However, until travel traffic levels become high enough, the new terminals are not definitively planned.
