Delhi Airport Prepares for Record Winter Rush with All Runways Operational
Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) is set to exceed its pre-Covid daily aircraft movements with 1,520 flights scheduled this winter. All four runways and three terminals are now operational, supported by ongoing modernization efforts to raise annual passenger handling capacity to 130 million. The reopening of refurbished Terminal 2 and upgrades across terminals aim to meet increasing passenger demand despite the upcoming launch of Noida International Airport.
Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi is bracing for a record winter rush as it plans to surpass its 2019 pre-Covid daily aircraft movement levels, with 1,520 flights approved for this winter. This increase is supported by the reopening of all four runways—fully operational again since September 16, 2025—and three airport terminals. Terminal 2 was refurbished and reopened on October 26, enhancing domestic flight operations, while Terminals 1 and 3 are being optimized to improve passenger throughput. Currently, Terminal 1, originally designed for 40 million passengers annually, is being stretched to handle around 44 million, Terminal 3 exceeds its original 34 million capacity by managing over 50 million, and the refurbished Terminal 2 adds about 15 million capacity. Together, these expansions and operational efficiencies aim to raise the airport's annual passenger handling capacity to approximately 130 million, up from about 100 million currently. The airport’s enhancements include automation, inter-terminal baggage transfer systems, and terminal refurbishments, enabling smoother passenger flows. These upgrades are occurring even as the Noida International Airport is slated to open soon. Consequently, Delhi Airport is positioned to maintain its status as one of India's largest aviation hubs and meet soaring demand during the peak winter season.
