Delhi Airport’s upgraded Terminal 2 to reopen on October 26, boosting capacity and passenger experience

Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) is set to reopen its upgraded Terminal 2 (T2) from the intervening night of October 25-26, coinciding with the start of the winter flight schedule. The refurbished terminal, inaugurated by Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu earlier in the day, is designed to offer a modern, tech-driven, and passenger-friendly experience for millions of travellers. Naidu said the redevelopment reflects India’s broader ambition to build world-class aviation infrastructure. “Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, our airports are being transformed into global transit hubs at an unprecedented pace,” he said. “The reimagined Terminal 2 represents a Connected, Competitive, and Caring India.”

New features and smarter systems

The upgraded terminal introduces several technological and design innovations aimed at improving efficiency and comfort. Among the highlights are self-baggage drop counters - introduced at T2 for the first time - allowing passengers to tag and drop their bags independently, significantly reducing queues and check-in time.

Add Zee Business as a Preferred Source

Six new passenger boarding bridges have been installed for faster boarding and improved accessibility. The terminal now features a state-of-the-art virtual information desk that allows travellers to check flight details, locate gates and outlets, chat with a virtual assistant, and generate Wi-Fi access - all through an interactive display.

Inside, the terminal has been redesigned with modern ceilings, skylights, new flooring, and improved signage for easier navigation. Special emphasis has been placed on facilities for persons with reduced mobility, ensuring inclusive and comfortable travel.

The mechanical and electrical systems have been comprehensively upgraded, including new air-conditioning, fire safety systems, and improved airside infrastructure. A high-resolution flight information display system (FIDS) and clear wayfinding signage help ensure smoother passenger flow.

Optimising airline operations

With the reopening of T2, flight operations at IGI Airport will be redistributed to balance passenger traffic across terminals.

• IndiGo will operate flights numbered 6E 2000–2999 from T2, while other domestic and international services will continue from Terminals 1 and 3.
• Air India will shift around 60 domestic flights from T3 to T2.
• Air India Express will run domestic services from T1, while SpiceJet and Akasa Air will continue their existing operations from T1.

Together, IndiGo and Air India will manage roughly 120 daily domestic flights from the upgraded terminal, easing congestion at T3 and improving overall airport efficiency.

Part of India’s expanding aviation vision

The reopening of T2 aligns with India’s long-term aviation growth plan. Minister Naidu reiterated the government’s goal to expand the country’s airport network to 350 airports by 2047, up from the current 164.

“The challenge is not just building airports, but also bringing in more aircraft and capacity,” Naidu said, adding that Delhi’s airport alone is targeting a passenger-handling capacity of 120 million annually. He emphasised that such upgrades are critical to establishing Delhi as a leading global aviation hub. “We have built so many airports over the past decade that we’ve become experts in creating world-class facilities anywhere in the country,” he noted.

IGI Airport is now part of the elite “100-million-plus” club of airports worldwide, handling over 109 million passengers annually. With the addition of a modernised T2, it is positioned to handle rising domestic and international traffic more efficiently while offering a world-class experience.