Air India and Air India Express Revamp Terminal Operations at Delhi Airport

Air India Shifts Domestic Flights to Terminal 2; Air India Express Moves to Terminal 1

Starting 26 October 2025, Air India will relocate 60 of its daily domestic departures at Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi, from Terminal 3 (T3) to Terminal 2 (T2). This strategic move is part of a broader airport expansion plan aimed at increasing international passenger capacity. Meanwhile, Air India Express will streamline its domestic operations entirely to Terminal 1 (T1).

Details of the Terminal Reassignment

The 60 flights shifted to Terminal 2 represent a substantial portion of Air India’s 180 daily domestic departures from Delhi. These flights will adopt four-digit flight numbers starting with "1" (e.g., AI1737), clearly distinguishing them for passenger convenience. Meanwhile, Air India Express will consolidate all its domestic flights from the upgraded Terminal 1, providing a focused operational flow.

International flights for both airlines will continue to operate exclusively from Terminal 3, ensuring stability for travelers on international routes.

Passenger Support and Inter-Terminal Transfers

To facilitate seamless travel during this transition, passengers with connecting flights between terminals will benefit from through-checked baggage handling, eliminating the need for rechecking. Additionally, Delhi International Airport will maintain a free shuttle service running every 10 minutes between terminals, complemented by buggy rides for passengers requiring mobility assistance, particularly between Terminals 2 and 3.

Air India has also committed to proactive communication, notifying all affected passengers via registered contact details about the terminal changes. Ground assistance teams will be present wearing easily identifiable uniforms at Terminals 1 and 2 to guide and support travelers.

Evolution of Terminal Use at Indira Gandhi International Airport

Indira Gandhi International Airport, one of India’s busiest aviation hubs, has been undergoing continuous development to meet escalating air traffic demands driven by both domestic and international travel growth. Historically, the airport’s Terminal 3 has handled the bulk of international flights alongside domestic operations for carriers like Air India.

As Delhi continues to attract high volumes of passengers, airport authorities recognized the need to expand international capacity, prompting the redistribution of airlines’ domestic flights to separate terminals. This move will help reduce congestion and enhance overall passenger experience.

Historical Context and Growth in India’s Civil Aviation

India’s civil aviation sector has witnessed remarkable expansion over recent decades, spurred by deregulation policies allowing private operators and foreign carriers greater access, as well as significant investments in airport infrastructure. The landscape of air travel transitioned from restrictive skies with state monopolies to an open market with multiple players, fostering competition and service improvement.

Indira Gandhi International Airport serves as a prime example of these trends, evolving into a modern facility with the recent addition of Terminal 3 and future plans to strengthen capacity through terminal expansions and redistribution of flights.

This steady rise in air traffic underscores the pressures on airport infrastructure, necessitating reforms like the upcoming terminal reassignments for Air India to efficiently accommodate passenger demand.

Implications for Domestic and International Travelers

The separation of domestic and international flights across different terminals enhances operational efficiency for airlines and airport authorities alike. Domestic passengers on Air India will now enjoy dedicated facilities with the latest terminal upgrades at T2, while Air India Express's move to T1 streamlines their streamlined domestic presence.

International travelers continue to benefit from consolidated services in Terminal 3, designed for high-capacity, long-haul operations. Integrated shuttle services and inter-terminal baggage transfers ensure ease for connecting passengers, a critical feature for smooth transitions amid terminal reassignments.

Future Outlook for Aviation Infrastructure and Its Impact on Travel

As India’s economy strengthens and its middle class grows, air travel demand is expected to rise further, both domestically and internationally. Modernizing airport infrastructure, expanding terminal capacity, and optimizing airline operations will play vital roles in supporting this growth.

For regions popular with tourists and business travelers, such as Delhi, these enhancements have important consequences. Upgraded airport facilities and improved passenger services contribute to a more pleasant experience, encouraging repeat visits and fostering connectivity that benefits the broader tourism industry—including coastal and maritime tourism where easy access to domestic and international flights often complements sailing and boating holidays.

Table: Key Benefits of the Terminal Restructuring

• Reduced congestion in individual terminals.
• Dedicated terminals for domestic Air India and Air India Express flights improve passenger flow.
• Retention of international flights in Terminal 3 maintains stability for international travelers.
• Free shuttle and buggy services ensure easy inter-terminal movement.
• Enhanced communication via notifications improves passenger preparedness.

Conclusion: Enhanced Air Travel Experience in Delhi and Its Link to Boating Tourism

Delhi’s aviation landscape is set for transformative improvements with Air India’s strategic redistribution of domestic flight operations. By moving select flights to Terminal 2 and Air India Express flights to Terminal 1, the airport aims to alleviate passenger congestion and elevate service quality amid rising traffic volumes.

The move aligns well with India's broader aviation modernization and liberalization policies that have been instrumental in facilitating economic growth and increased tourism. As Delhi continues to develop as a major international gateway, these changes support not only direct passengers but also those transferring onward to other travel forms, including yacht charters and boating excursions on nearby lakes and coasts.

For travelers seeking seamless transitions between air travel and maritime adventures, well-organized airports with efficient terminal layouts are key. As such, the airport restructuring promises to positively influence connected sectors like sailing, yachting, and boat rentals, enhancing the region's attractiveness as a destination for diverse travel experiences involving sun-filled beaches, clear waters, and vibrant marinas.

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