New Delhi Airport Guide – Tips & Insights for a smooth journey (Updated 2024)

Are you planning to fly from New Delhi Airport for the first time? or do you have a layover? Are you looking for lounge access or travelling with an infant, this New Delhi Airport guide will help you with a hassle-free experience as you visit India’s largest airport.

Indira Gandhi International Airport (IATA Code– DEL, ICAO– VIDP), popularly known as New Delhi Airport and IGI Airport, is the largest and busiest airport in India and the seventh busiest airport in the world.

IGI Airport handled 6.73 crore (67.3 million) passengers in 2020 which is the highest ever in the airport’s history.

Recently, Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) also became the country’s first airport to have four operational runways and handle more than 1500 aircraft movements every day. 

Address – New Delhi Airport

New Delhi Airport is located in Palam, Delhi, 15 km southwest of the New Delhi Railway Station and 16 km from New Delhi city centre.

The registered address of IGI Airport is-                                     
No.367, Badam Singh Market NH-8, near Shiv Murti, Rangpuri, New Delhi, Delhi 110037

Helpline Number

Domestic Callers– 0124-4797300 or 0124–6838410   
 
International Callers– +91-124-4797300 or +91-124-6838410 
   
Flight information– +91-011-61234567

The helpline numbers are operational 24 x 7

New Delhi Airport Police Station

Delhi Airport police station is located in Terminal 2(T2). 

Phone– +91 11 2565 2325
Website– www.delhipolice.nic.in

Operational Hour

The Indira Gandhi International Airport is operational 24 hours.

IGI Airport Terminal

The IGI airport consists of three passenger terminals: T1, T2 & T3 and a cargo terminal. T1 & T2 are domestic terminals and T3 is dedicated to international flights.

Terminal 3 or T3 is the newest and the biggest of all and is equipped with the most modern facilities.

• Terminal 1 (T1) – The recently renovated Terminal 1 of New Delhi Airport is the largest domestic terminal in India. The terminal is capable of handling 40 million passengers annually.
  
  It has an integrated terminal for departures and arrivals.
  
  The terminal features state-of-the-art technology including advanced check-in counters, self-service baggage drop stations, RFID luggage tracking, and amenities designed for passengers with reduced mobility such as smart restrooms and specialised seating.
  
  These enhancements can significantly speed up the baggage boarding process.
  
• Terminal 2 (T2) – New Delhi Airport Terminal 2 handles low-cost domestic flights. Before the opening of Terminal 3, T2 was handling the International flights. It is renovated recently with modern facilities.
  
  Terminal 2 handles approximately 12 million passengers per year.
  
• Terminal 3 (T3) – New Delhi Airport Terminal 3 is a two-tier building, making it the 8th largest terminals in the world.
  
  It is the newest terminal under IGI Airport and caters international flights coming in and out of New Delhi City. Designed by HOK and equipped with the most modern facilities, Terminal 3 handles approximately 40 million passengers every year.
  
  Along with International flights, a few domestic flight airlines also operates from this terminal e.g. AirIndia, Vistara, AirAsia and some flights of spiceJet & IndiGo.
  
• General Aviation Terminal – It is India’s first general Aviation terminal and is used by passengers flying through chartered flights and private jets.
  
• Cargo Terminal – There is a separate terminal under Delhi Airport to support movement of cargo. The terminal is located 1 Km from Terminal 3.

Read on to know how you can avail free inter-terminal transfer

Transportation Facilities at IGI Airport

The Indira Gandhi International Airport, which is one of the largest and busiest airports of the world, provides many different modes of transport to help its passengers experience a hassle-free and smooth experience while traveling to & from the airport.

• Taxi / Cabs – Delhi Airport provides a range of taxi/cab options to travel across the city.
  
• Bus – There are frequent public shuttle services in New Delhi Airport to travel around the city.
  
• Metro / Airport Express – New Delhi Airport Express Metro Line connects the airport to famous points in New Delhi city.
  
• Train – Passengers can use railways to travel between IGI Airport and the city.
  
• Park & Fly – Flyers can park their car before flying, in a secure parking facility inside Delhi Airport.
  

New Delhi Airport Lounges

All the terminals at Delhi Airport feature premium lounges equipped with top-notch amenities.

Passengers with lounge access can savour exclusive perks, relax in comfortable waiting areas, and indulge in a range of amenities including dining options, beverages, Wi-Fi, showers, and calm spaces for work or relaxation.

Read: All About Lounges in Indira Gandhi International Airport

New Delhi Airport Hotels

New Delhi Airport is well connected to a number of budget and luxury hotels that passengers can use if they prefer un-interrupted and comfortable sleeping options.

New Delhi Airport also features an in-house hotel by Holiday Inn for passenger having a long transit or layover. The holiday Inn Express hotel is located at Terminal 3 of Indira Gandhi International Airport and is the nearest hotel from the airport.

Read: Hotels in and around New Delhi Airport

Facilities at New Delhi Airport

Being the busiest airport of India and one of the busiest in the world, IGI airport sees a yearly footfall of approximately 40 million passengers. The airport authorities and management – Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) have taken lot of measures to provide number of top-notch services and facilities at the airport, giving world-class experience to its passengers.

Here are some of the facilities & services that one can find inside the Indira Gandhi International Airport.

Children’s Play Area

Traveling with children for long hours become hectic as they are unpredictable and can throw tantrums if things are not done in a certain way. To keep young children busy and entertained, there is a colorful play area at Terminal 3 (T3) of New Delhi International Airport.

Diaper Changing Station

Parents can make use of Baby rooms to clean their baby, nurse her or make her sleep in a calm environment. Diaper changing station are sanitised frequently and are equipped with baby cot, toys, high chairs and sofas for the ease of parents and the baby. These baby rooms are available at all the terminals of New Delhi Airport.

Baby Strollers

Passengers travelling with infants and young children can make use of free baby strollers available at the IGI Airport to move around faster.

Visit the information desk at the check-in area at T1, T2 and T3 terminals to avail complimentary strollers.

Prayer Rooms

There are designated multi-faith prayer rooms available at each terminal of New Delhi Airport to help passengers who are looking for a calm place for their prayer or meditation.

Separate rooms for male and female guests are available.

Terminal 1 –  Post Security Hold Area

Terminal 2 – Near Security Hold Area – Gate No. 32

Terminal 3
1. Domestic Pier Junction Near Smoking Room

2. International Pier Junction Near Airtel Shop

Foreign Currency Exchange

Indira Gandhi International airport in New Delhi has the following Currency Exchange counters in both the arrival and departure section of Terminal 3:

1. Central Bank of India
Location – T3 International Arrivals and T3 International Departures near Gate No. 3

2. Punjab National Bank
Location – T3 Departures near Gate No. 7

3. Thomas Cook
Location – T3 Domestic Arrivals, T3 Domestic Departures, T3 International Arrivals and T3 International Departures

4. EbixCash
Location – T3 International Arrivals and T3 International Departures.
In the Departure section of the IGI Airport Terminal 3, EbixCash is the only company with a currency exchange counter after the immigration and security check and all the other three companies have their counters before security and immigration. 

In addition, EbixCash has an outlet outside Terminal 3 Arrivals near Gate no. 4

These counters are open 24 hours on all days.

Passengers need to carry Passport, Visa, Pan Card and Boarding pass for exchanging currency.

To get best currency exchange rate in New Delhi, it is recommended not to exchange it in airport as rates are comparatively higher (due to additional airport tax) than money exchange outlets available outside the airport due to additional airport tax.

ATM

Following ATM outlets are available at Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi, India:

1. State Bank of India (SBI) – T1 Departures, T3 Domestic Arrivals, T3 International Arrivals, T2 Departures

2. Kotak Mahindra Bank – T1 Arrivals, T3 Domestic Arrivals, T3 Domestic Departures, T3 International Arrivals

3. Indus Ind Bank – T1 Departures, T3 Arrivals, T3 Domestic Arrivals, T3 International Arrivals, T2 Arrivals, T2 Departures

4. Punjab National Bank (PNB) – T1 Arrivals, T3 Domestic Arrivals, T3 International Arrivals, T3 International Departures

5. Union Bank of India – T1 Arrivals, T3 Arrivals

WiFi

New Delhi Airport provides free WiFi access to its guests at all Terminals. To get free WiFi access, follow 3 easy steps.

1. Switch on WiFi and connect to “GMR-Free-WIFI” network.

2. Enter your mobile number to receive OTP.

3. Use OTP and set a 4 digit numeric pin to access high speed internet from your mobile phone.

Kindly note that OTP based Wi-Fi access is applicable only for passengers with Indian Phone Numbers.

Passengers without an Indian Phone Number need to find a password vending kiosk or visit a nearest Information Desk where they will receive a KYC ID and Coupon Code, that can be used to connect to the free WIFI network.

SIM Card

Travellers carrying an inactive or international phone number can buy new SIM cards right at New Delhi International Airport. Following SIM card brands are available:

1. Airtel – International passengers arriving at New Delhi Airport can buy SIM card from Airtel outlet available at New Delhi Airport.

Location:

1. Terminal 3 International Arrivals Near Exit 4, right next to Costa Coffee.

2. Terminal 3 Domestic Arrivals

3. Terminal 3 Domestic Departures

The price for a SIM card with unlimited calling and 1.5GB/Day data is Rs. 450/- and is valid for 30 days.
Prices are updated as of 2024 and are subject to change.

2. Matrix – Passengers flying out of India to UK, Europe and USA from New Delhi International Airport can buy a global SIM card from Matrix Counter available inside the retail area, on the way to Gate 1 to 26, next to The Irish House.

Matrix do not provide SIM cards for passengers flying to GULF Countries ( Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.) and for such passengers, it is recommended to buy SIM cards upon arrival to the respective countries.

Cloak Rooms

Cloak room is a designated place where one can keep their luggage and leave. For the ease of passengers carrying a lot of luggage, a cloak room is available at Terminal 3 of Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi, India.

The cloak is operational 24/7 and is accessible for both domestic and international passengers. The baggage can be kept at Cloak rooms for a maximum of 30 days time period.

Location: airport connect building, Terminal-3

Mandatory Documents: Boarding Pass(Not required for International Passengers), Photo ID, Passport (Required for International Passengers)

Customer Care:  +91 8800493889 

Email: DAPST3.operation@gmrgroup.in

Check the latest rate chart for availing cloak room service at New delhi Airport:

Above rates are in INR and based on the size of the baggage and hours.

Baggage wrapping service

EnWrap is a premium luggage wrapping service from Encalm Hospitality at IGI Airport that takes extra care of passengers luggage by wrapping them using biodegradable material following global standards.

Location: EnWrap Kiosk, in check-in area of Terminal 3

Baggage Pickup & Drop Service

CarterX is an online platform that assists passengers with their luggages. They pickup luggages from doorstep and drop it at departure area.

Additionally they also pickup luggages from baggage belt area of the airport and deliver it at passenger’s doorstep. Flyers can also book their services to pickup and drop their baggages in between terminals.

Location: T3 arrivals and departures

Contact No: 6366581115

Excess Baggage

Passengers at Terminal 3 of New Delhi Airport can transfer their excess baggage to any location across India and world at an affordable price. Flyers can drop their excess baggage at Avaan Excess Kiosk at Terminal 3 Departure, who then takes in charge to deliver the baggage to flyer’s drop-step.

Air delivery and road delivery options are available. Prices start at less than ₹100/Kg.

Location: Avaan Excess Kiosk at Terminal 3 Departure

Contact No: 01161231178

Porter Service

Porter service is available at both arrival and departure lounges of all the three terminals ( T1, T2 and T3) of New Delhi Airport at a reasonable rate.

The porter staff will help you by carrying your luggage and take you till the check-in counter giving you a hassle free experience.

Lost & Found

New Delhi Airport Authority lists any found item within 24 hours in their lost and found website. Passengers can check those details and claim their belongings by showing valid proofs.

The lost and found website lists valuables found in all the terminals i.e. T1, T2 and T3 at Delhi airport.

Documents for claiming lost valuables:
1. Proof of travel i.e Boarding Pass/E-boarding Pass/Immigration Stamp on Passport.

2. Government issued ID card such as Passport / Driving License / Aadhaar Card / Voter Card.

3. Detailed description of the item lost.

4. Government authorized photo id preferably Passport / Driving License / Aadhaar Card / Voter Card of the authorised person.

Note : For verification purpose copy of Pan Card is needed in the absence of passport/signed ID to verify the signature of the owner on the Authorization Letter.

Lost and Found Mailing Address:
Lost Property Main Office,
Terminal-2,
Departure Level, Near Gate No. 01,
Indira Gandhi International Airport,
New Delhi – 110037

Lost and Found Email Address:
lostproperty.dial@gmrgroup.in

Lost and Found Phone Number:
0124-4797300 / 0124-6838410

If the date on which the item was lost is less than 5 days than the current date, passengers can directly dial the following numbers based on the terminal where the item was lost:

Terminal 1: +91 9650495769
Terminal 2: +91 96674 00962
Terminal 3: +91 99580 98651

All the helpline numbers are operational 24 * 7.

Visitor’s Entry

Delhi Airport management has provided a special facility for visitors who wants to meet and see off their loved ones inside the airport. The visitors can buy a ticket for Rs. 100/- from Visitors Entry Ticket Counter to get inside the airport.

The ticket is valid for 3 hours from the time of issue. Visitors are not allowed to carry any bags or luggage. Children under 3 years of age are allowed free entry.

Location: Arrival section of Terminal 3 of IGI airport, next to the entry ticket counter.

Meet and Greet

Indira Gandhi International Airport offers an extra-ordinary guest relationS service, Atithya dedicated to enhance the experience of travelers arriving, departing and transiting through the airport.

This personalized assistance service is designed to warmly welcome and assist travelers upon their arrival, providing baggage assistance, buggy, porter and conceirge services, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience as they navigate through the airport.

Passengers can book Atithya services from their website or connect through below contacts.

Email:
guest.services@encalm.com

Phone No.:
+91-9289366950

Location:
Atithya – Meet and Greet Service
Indira Gandhi International Terminal 3 Road, Delhi, 110037, India

Smoking Room

In New Delhi Airport, smoking is allowed at selected areas only.

Terminal 1 – After security hold area near food court

Terminal 2 – Near security hold area

Terminal 3 –
1. T3 International Departure boarding corridor and food court
2. T3 International Arrival,
3. T3 Domestic Departure boarding corridor and food court
4. T3 Domestic Arrival

Wheel Chair Assistance for PRM

Most of the airlines provide complimentary wheel chair service for passengers with special needs.

Passengers with reduced mobility (PRM) need to inform the airlines beforehand about the need for mobile assistance.

Additionally, Delhi Airport offers chargeable motorized wheel chairs, also known as Airport Kruz, for passengers flying from Terminal 3 at the airport.

All the washrooms, escalators, lifts, Information desk and other facilities inside the airport are PRM friendly.

Medical Services

Passengers can get immediate assistance from fully equipped hospitals available inside each terminals(T1, T2, T3) of New Delhi airport in case of medical emergencies.

Terminal 1 – Domestic Arrivals

Terminal 2 – 2 Medanta Medical Centres in Check-in area, Arrival Forecourt

Terminal 3 – 4 Medanta Medical Centres located at Domestic area, International Pier, Transfer Area & Food Court

Hospital Contact No. :
011-49654261 (Terminal 1)
011-42489651 (Terminal 2)
011-49636505 (Terminal 3)

Pharmacy

Travellers can buy medicines and other prescribed pharmaceutical drugs from Guardian Pharmacy or Apollo Pharmacy available at multiple locations inside each terminals i.e. T1, T2 & T3 at Indira Gandhi International Airport.

Spa Service

New Delhi Airport offers spa facility for its passengers who are having a long layover and looking for relaxation and rejuvenate themselves.

1. Encalm Spa – T3 International Departures, IGI Airport, New Delhi +91 1149632241

2. Encalm Spa – T3 Domestic Departures, IGI Airport, New Delhi +91 1149630620
Email:  spa@encalm.com

3. O2 Spa – International Airport, Terminal 3, Indira Gandhi International Airport, near AirToast No 6, in front of Boarding Gate, New Delhi 096673 56184

Eateries

To serve hunger pangs of its guests, New Delhi International Airport houses a plenty of restaurants, bars and cafes in all terminals, before and after security check.

Here is a terminal wise list of eateries that one can find inside I.G.I Airport.

Duty Free Shopping

Duty free shop is a retail store whose products are free from the payment of certain local and national taxes. There are many national and international duty free brands inside IGI Airport, New Delhi from where passengers can buy basic as well as branded watches, liquor, apparels, perfumes, cosmetics and other accessories.

Shopping

New Delhi Airport is a paradise for shopaholics as it features around 76 popular brands for purchasing clothes, watches, toys, travel accessories, books, shoes, medicines and many more.

If you have a long layover or wait time and you are looking for things to do at the New Delhi Airport, we suggest you definitely check out the numerous brands and enjoy the world class shopping experience.

DigiYatra

DigiYatra is a contactless and paperless flying experience where passengers need not carry any documents like boarding pass, ID Proofs.

This newly launched facility is available for all domestic passengers(Passengers travelling across India) flying by any airline from New Delhi Airport.

Location: The DigiYatra E-Gate is available at all departure entry gates of terminal 1, terminal 2 and terminal 3

HelpLine number: 0124 – 4797311 / 0124 – 6838400

Visa & Immigration at IGI Airport

There are 48 Immigration counters & 46 e-visa counter/ Visa Counters at the Arrival Section of I.G.I. Airport, New Delhi. Additionally, there are 60 Immigration counters & 4 counters at the Domestic to International Transfer. Please check all details related to immigration requirements beforehand.

Due to a huge daily footfall, the standard time to clear immigration and customs at New Delhi Airport is around 45-60 minutes. The immigration queue goes longer specially during night time. Hence it is advisable for departing passengers to reach the airport early.

Upon arriving at the airport, follow the signage “Immigration|Baggage|Exit” to reach the immigration counters. You need to fill up an Arrival Card and submit it to the counter.

In case you don’t have an address in India, you can fill your hotel’s name and location in place of Address in India section.

At immigration counter, you have to submit your passport, arrival card and ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) print-out from your visa confirmation email.

After immigration, you can proceed towards Baggage Claim and Customs.
The baggage clearance at New Delhi Airport consists of two channels.

You can take this channel to exit if you have no dutiable goods to declare.

You can take this channel for custom clearance if you have dutiable goods to declare. You must give correct declaration of dutiable goods in order to avoid any penalty or fine.

**Passengers are advised to take the appropriate channel to exit the airport. Any wrongful or non-declaration may also lead to arrest & prosecution. Please check this link for other customs related information.