Delhi Airport Terminal Guide: T1, T2, T3 Explained

[IMAGE: Aerial view of a large international airport with multiple terminals — search terms: airport terminal aerial India]

Indira Gandhi International Airport (IATA: DEL) is India’s busiest airport, handling over 72 million passengers in FY 2024–25 (Airports Authority of India, 2025). It is also one of the most confusing airports for first-time travellers because it has three separate terminals spread across a large campus. Getting the terminal wrong can mean missing your flight. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about T1, T2, and T3 — from which airline flies from where to food options, lounge access, and how to use the free shuttle bus.

> **TL;DR:** Delhi IGI Airport has three terminals. T1 serves IndiGo and SpiceJet domestic flights. T2 handles Air India domestic. T3 manages all international flights plus IndiGo and Air India international. The airport handled over 72 million passengers in FY 2024–25 (AAI, 2025). Always confirm your terminal when you book on HappyFares.

[INTERNAL-LINK: first-time flyer tips → first-time flyer guide India]

What Are the Three Terminals at Delhi Airport?

Delhi IGI Airport handled over 72 million passengers in FY 2024–25, making it India’s largest aviation hub (AAI, 2025). The airport spread across three functional terminals — T1, T2, and T3 — each serving different airlines and flight types. T3 is the largest, covering 5.4 lakh square metres and ranking among the top 10 largest airport terminals globally. Understanding which terminal your flight uses is the single most important thing to check before you head to the airport.

T1 and T2 are older, more compact terminals handling domestic traffic. T3 is the showcase terminal — opened in 2010 for the Commonwealth Games — and handles the bulk of international traffic plus several domestic services. The terminals are not walking distance from each other. Plan accordingly.

[INTERNAL-LINK: Delhi to Goa flights → delhi-to-goa-flights-guide-2026]

Terminal 1 (T1) — Domestic Budget Airlines

T1 is the dedicated terminal for domestic low-cost carriers. IndiGo and SpiceJet operate all their domestic routes from here. If your boarding pass shows “DEL T1,” head to the T1 complex on the western side of the airport campus. The terminal is functional rather than flashy — check-in, security, basic food stalls, and a handful of retail outlets. It is efficient for the volume it handles, with 2 runways servicing rapid departures.

T1 underwent a significant expansion that added a new T1D pier, increasing capacity. However, a partial roof collapse incident in June 2024 led to temporary disruptions. By early 2026, the affected sections have been repaired and T1 is fully operational. Always confirm current terminal status with your airline before travel.

Terminal 2 (T2) — Air India Domestic

T2 at Delhi Airport handles domestic operations for Air India and Air India Express. Following the Vistara–Air India merger completed in late 2024, former Vistara domestic routes now operate under the Air India brand from T2. The terminal is smaller than T3 and primarily caters to full-service domestic travellers. It has dedicated Air India check-in counters, Maharaja Lounge access for eligible passengers, and a more relaxed check-in environment compared to the busier T1.

T2 is connected to T3 via a short airside walkway for passengers making Air India connections between domestic and international flights. This is a significant convenience — you do not need to go landside and re-clear security if your journey is on Air India connecting flights.

Terminal 3 (T3) — International + Select Domestic

T3 is Delhi’s primary international terminal and the crown jewel of Indian aviation infrastructure. At 5.4 lakh square metres, it handles all international departures and arrivals plus domestic flights operated by IndiGo (international routes only) and Air India (international). The terminal has 168 check-in counters, 78 immigration counters, 95 security lanes, and 97 aircraft stands (DIAL, 2025). It runs 24 hours.

T3 features the full range of international airport amenities — duty-free stores, branded restaurants, multiple airport lounges, a spa, transit hotel, and premium retail. If you’re flying internationally from Delhi, you will always depart from T3 regardless of your airline.

[CHART: Bar chart — airline-to-terminal mapping at Delhi IGI Airport — source: DIAL]

Which Airline Uses Which Terminal at Delhi Airport?

This is the question most travellers search for. Here is the definitive breakdown for 2026:

Key rule to remember: All international flights at Delhi Airport — regardless of airline — depart and arrive at T3. For domestic flights, IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Akasa Air use T1. Air India and Air India Express domestic flights use T2.

How Do You Know Which Terminal Your Flight Is From?

There are three reliable ways to confirm your terminal before you travel. First, check your e-ticket or booking confirmation — the terminal is almost always printed on the ticket. Second, look up your flight on the Delhi Airport (DIAL) website, which has a real-time flight status search by flight number. Third, use the HappyFares booking page — your confirmation email from happyfares.in will include the departure terminal details.

Do not rely on assumptions. Terminal assignments occasionally change, particularly when airlines shift schedules or undergo operational changes. Confirm on the day of travel, not just when you first book.

[PERSONAL EXPERIENCE] In our experience helping thousands of Indian travellers, the most common airport confusion at Delhi comes from travellers who booked on IndiGo’s domestic service but assumed they needed T3 because of the international-sounding name on their e-ticket. Always read the terminal field explicitly — do not infer it from the airline’s general reputation.

How to Transfer Between T1, T2, and T3

The terminals are spread across the airport campus and cannot be reached on foot. Delhi Airport provides a free inter-terminal shuttle bus service that connects T1, T2, and T3 throughout the day. The T1-to-T3 ride takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes including waiting time, covering roughly 7 km by road. The T2-to-T3 shuttle is shorter at around 10 to 15 minutes.

The shuttle runs approximately every 20 minutes during peak hours (5 AM to 11 PM) and less frequently late at night. For passengers connecting between a domestic arrival and an international departure — or vice versa — allow a minimum of 90 minutes for the transfer. Customs, re-check, and security re-clearance add time beyond the shuttle ride itself.

What If I Have a Connecting Flight?

If you have a through-ticket (one PNR covering both domestic and international legs), your airline is responsible for your connection. However, if you booked two separate tickets, you must manage the terminal transfer yourself. Budget at least 2 to 2.5 hours for a T1-to-T3 connection on separate tickets to account for baggage reclaim, the shuttle ride, re-check, and international security.

[INTERNAL-LINK: web check-in guide → web-check-in-guide-indian-airlines-2026]

Delhi Airport Metro: The Airport Express Line

The Delhi Metro Airport Express Line (Orange Line) is one of the best airport metro connections in India. It runs non-stop from New Delhi Railway Station to Terminal 3, covering the 22 km distance in about 20 minutes (Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, 2025). The fare is approximately ₹60 one-way. Trains run from roughly 4:45 AM to 11:30 PM, with departures every 10 to 15 minutes.

The metro connects at New Delhi, Shivaji Stadium, Dhaula Kuan, Delhi Aerocity (for airport hotels), and the IGI Airport Terminal 3 station. Note that the metro only serves T3 directly. If you are heading to T1 or T2, take the metro to T3 and then use the free inter-terminal shuttle. Factor in an extra 30 minutes for that leg.

The Airport Express is the fastest and most affordable way to reach T3 from central Delhi. Avoid it only if you have excessive baggage or are travelling in a large group — in those cases, a cab or pre-booked taxi may be more practical.

Parking at Delhi Airport

Delhi Airport has multi-level parking facilities at all three terminals. Rates at T3 start at approximately ₹100 for the first hour and ₹50 per subsequent hour for cars. There is a dedicated multi-level car park adjacent to T3 with over 4,000 spaces. T1 and T2 have smaller surface parking areas.

For travellers being dropped off, use the designated drop-off zones in front of each terminal. Extended parking at T3 is also possible for trips of several days — check the current tariff on the DIAL website before parking. Overnight parking rates are capped at a daily maximum.

Food and Dining at Each Terminal

Food quality and variety differ significantly across the three terminals. Here’s what to expect:

Eating at T1

T1 has a modest selection of quick-service outlets. You’ll find Café Coffee Day, Subway, and a few Indian snack counters both before and after security. Options are functional rather than memorable. Pre-security food is generally cheaper — grab a meal before clearing security if you have time. Budget ₹200 to ₹500 for a light meal.

Eating at T2

T2 offers slightly better dining options, including a sit-down restaurant and coffee shops. The Air India lounge at T2 provides full catering for eligible passengers. General dining is adequate but not extensive. Budget ₹300 to ₹700 per person.

Eating at T3

T3 has the widest selection by far. Airside (post-security) options include McDonald’s, KFC, Subway, Pizza Hut, a full South Indian thali restaurant, Bengali Sweets, The Beer Café, and several branded coffee shops. Prices are airport-premium — a full meal will cost ₹600 to ₹1,500 per person. Pre-security options in the departures hall are slightly cheaper. Food courts on level 3 near Gate 10 are the most popular gathering spots.

Lounges at Delhi Airport

Airport lounges at Delhi T3 are among the best in India. The DIAL-operated lounges, accessible via Priority Pass, DragonPass, and eligible credit cards, include the Plaza Premium Lounge and the T3 International Lounge. These offer buffet meals, showers, Wi-Fi, and quiet seating. Airlines including Air India (Maharaja Lounge), Emirates, and Lufthansa operate their own private lounges for premium-class passengers.

For domestic travellers at T1, there is no Priority Pass lounge. Some credit card issuers offer access to the basic CISF security lounges through partner agreements. Check your card benefits before assuming access. Our guide to airport lounge access in India covers which cards and passes work at which terminals.

[INTERNAL-LINK: airport lounge access guide → airport-lounge-access-india-2026]

DigiYatra at Delhi Airport

Delhi Airport was one of India’s first airports to fully implement the DigiYatra facial recognition programme, and all three terminals — T1, T2, and T3 — support it. DigiYatra allows enrolled passengers to walk through entry gates and security lanes using biometric verification alone, without repeatedly presenting boarding passes or ID documents. The system has reduced average security processing time by 25 to 30% for enrolled passengers (DigiYatra Foundation, 2025).

To register, download the DigiYatra app, complete a one-time Aadhaar-linked verification, and your face becomes your boarding pass. Registration takes about 10 minutes. Your data is stored on your device and shared only with the airport for the duration of your journey — not retained centrally.

[UNIQUE INSIGHT] DigiYatra’s time savings are most pronounced at T1, where high domestic volume creates longer conventional security queues. Travellers who enrol before a T1 departure typically save 15 to 20 minutes versus those in the standard queue — a meaningful buffer given T1’s tighter gate areas.

Security Tips for Delhi Airport

Security at Delhi Airport is thorough, and during peak morning hours (6 AM to 10 AM) queues can be long. Here are specific tips that reduce friction:

• Arrive early: For domestic flights, reach the terminal at least 90 minutes before departure. For international flights, 3 hours is the standard recommendation at T3.
• Laptop and liquids: Remove laptops and liquids (in a clear bag, 100 ml per container) before you reach the X-ray belt. This is where most delays happen.
• Shoes: Delhi Airport security does require shoes to be removed during X-ray screening. Wear slip-ons if possible.
• DigiYatra lanes: Use the dedicated DigiYatra lanes if enrolled — they are significantly faster during peak hours.
• Web check-in: Complete web check-in before arriving. This saves time at the counter and allows you to head straight to bag drop if you have checked luggage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which terminal does IndiGo use at Delhi Airport?

IndiGo operates all domestic flights from Terminal 1 (T1). For IndiGo international routes, the departure terminal is T3. Check your boarding pass or your HappyFares booking confirmation to be certain.

Q: How long does the T1 to T3 transfer take?

The free inter-terminal shuttle from T1 to T3 takes 20 to 30 minutes including waiting time. Allow at least 90 minutes between flights if you need to switch terminals — more if you are clearing customs or re-checking bags.

Q: Does Delhi Airport have a metro connection?

Yes. The Airport Express Line (Orange Line) connects New Delhi Railway Station to Terminal 3 in about 20 minutes. The fare is approximately ₹60. Metro only serves T3 directly — use the free shuttle to reach T1 or T2 from the metro station.

Q: What is DigiYatra and does Delhi Airport support it?

DigiYatra is a facial recognition system for faster security and boarding. Delhi Airport supports DigiYatra at all three terminals — T1, T2, and T3. Register once on the DigiYatra app using your Aadhaar to skip manual ID checks at multiple checkpoints.

Q: Which terminal does Air India use at Delhi Airport?

Air India operates domestic flights from Terminal 2 (T2) and all international flights from Terminal 3 (T3). Former Vistara routes, now merged into Air India, follow the same terminal assignments.

Last updated: April 2026. Terminal assignments are subject to change — always verify with your airline before travel. Sources: Airports Authority of India (AAI), Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), DigiYatra Foundation.