Delhi airport’s expanded new Terminal 1 to be operational from from August 17

Delhi airport operator DIAL announced on Wednesday that the new T1 terminal will be operational starting August 17, with IndiGo and SpiceJet set to transfer a significant portion of their domestic operations to this terminal.

The old T1 terminal was temporarily closed on June 28 after a roof collapse incident, leading to the relocation of flight operations to Terminals 2 (T2) and 3 (T3).

According to a release by Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL), the new T1 terminal’s opening will alleviate pressure on the other two terminals.

The terminal was developed as part of the phase 3A expansion project by DIAL, a consortium led by the GMR Group.

“As per the plan, SpiceJet will shift 13 flights to Terminal 1 starting August 17, and IndiGo will follow by moving 34 flights from T2 and T3 to T1 on September 2,” DIAL said.

Also Read: Delhi airport T-1 stops operations after roof collapses, cab driver dead, 6 injured

DIAL CEO Videh Kumar Jaipuriar highlighted that the state-of-the-art T1 will significantly increase capacity, reducing the burden on T2 and T3. “Passengers can anticipate a smoother travel experience with enhanced amenities and advanced technology,” he added.

Passengers flying with SpiceJet will enter through gate A on the ground floor, while those flying with IndiGo will use gates 5 and 6 on the first floor. All arrivals will occur on the ground floor, as mentioned in the release.

The terminal expansion was executed according to the Master Plan 2016.

“The redesigned apron, featuring 82 Code C stands and a dual taxiway, will ensure improved air traffic flow, quicker aircraft turnaround, and enhanced safety,” the release further detailed.

Code C generally refers to narrow-body planes.

The new T1 was inaugurated in March.

The Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) in the national capital, the country’s busiest airport, has three terminals: T1, T2, and T3, handling around 1,400 flight movements daily.

On June 28, a canopy at the old T1 departure forecourt partially collapsed during heavy rains, resulting in the death of one person and injuring at least six others.

Following the incident, the civil aviation ministry stated that structural engineers from IIT Delhi were immediately tasked with assessing the partial collapse of the canopy. (With inputs from PTI)