Delhi Airport Terminal Guide: T1, T2 and T3 Explained

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Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) handles over 7.3 crore passengers annually, making it India’s busiest airport, according to data from the Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL). With three active terminals spread across a massive campus, figuring out which terminal your flight departs from can be genuinely confusing, especially if you’re a first-time flyer or visiting Delhi after a gap.

This guide breaks down exactly which airlines operate from T1, T2, and T3, how to get between terminals, metro connections, parking costs, lounge options, and practical tips that’ll save you time and stress on travel day.

Already have your terminal sorted? Do your web check-in before heading out.

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How Many Terminals Does Delhi Airport Have?

Delhi Airport has three passenger terminals in operation: T1, T2 and T3. There is no T4, and the old numbering that once included a separate international terminal is long retired. All three sit on the same airport campus, but they are not walkable from one another, and the free inter-terminal shuttle is the only way to move between them on the public side.

Delhi Airport terminals at a glance

Terminal	Domestic or international	Airlines usually here
Terminal 1 (T1)	Domestic only	IndiGo (most departures), SpiceJet
Terminal 2 (T2)	Domestic only	Select IndiGo flights, Alliance Air, some Air India domestic
Terminal 3 (T3)	All international, plus domestic	Every foreign carrier, Air India, Air India Express, Akasa Air

Treat that table as a starting point, not gospel. DIAL and the airlines reshuffle terminal allocations from time to time to balance passenger loads, which is why your boarding pass always beats memory.

Which terminal is international at Delhi Airport?

Terminal 3. Every international flight at Delhi Airport, whether it is an Indian carrier or a foreign one, departs from and arrives at T3. Immigration, customs and international baggage claim are all inside T3. If your ticket says international, you are going to T3.

Is Terminal 1 domestic or international at Delhi?

T1 is domestic only. It has no immigration or customs facilities, so no international flight can operate from it. If you land at T1 and need an international departure, you have to take the free shuttle to T3 and allow time for a fresh security check.

Which terminal is for domestic flights in Delhi?

All three terminals handle domestic departures. T1 is the low-cost domestic terminal (IndiGo and SpiceJet), T2 takes overflow domestic traffic including some IndiGo, Alliance Air and some Air India services, and T3 handles domestic flights for Air India, Air India Express and Akasa Air alongside its international operations.

How many gates does Delhi Airport have?

There is no single fixed number, because boarding gates are reassigned daily and airlines are moved between contact stands and bus gates. T3 is by far the largest, with a mix of aerobridge gates and remote bus-boarding gates. T1 and T2 are much smaller, and both have gates numbered in the tens rather than the hundreds. Always read your gate off the departure screens rather than assuming from a previous trip.

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Which Airlines Fly from Terminal 1 (T1)?

Terminal 1 is Delhi Airport’s dedicated low-cost domestic terminal. If you’re flying IndiGo or SpiceJet on a domestic route, T1 is almost certainly your terminal.

Airlines Operating from T1

• IndiGo (6E), most IndiGo domestic departures use T1, though select flights operate from T2. Always check your boarding pass.
• SpiceJet (SG), SpiceJet domestic flights from Delhi normally depart from T1.

T1 Facilities at a Glance

T1 underwent a significant renovation between 2019 and 2022, and an expansion added the new T1D pier to increase capacity. The terminal, on the western side of the airport campus, now has self-check-in kiosks, improved security lanes, expanded food courts, and Digi Yatra-enabled entry gates. It’s smaller and simpler than T3, which actually works in your favour: walking distances are shorter and the layout is more straightforward.

Worth knowing: a partial roof collapse at T1 in June 2024 caused temporary disruptions, but the affected sections have been repaired and the terminal has been fully operational since early 2026.

Food options include standard airport chains: Burger King, Starbucks, Café Coffee Day, Subway, and a few local food counters. Budget Rs 200-500 for a light meal. Pre-security outlets are generally cheaper, so eat before clearing security if you have time. Don’t expect the variety you’d find at T3, but you won’t go hungry either.

One thing to note: T1 has limited seating near some gates during peak morning hours (6 AM to 9 AM). If you’re on an early flight, arrive with enough buffer but don’t expect a relaxed lounge-like waiting area at the gate.

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What’s New at Terminal 2 (T2)?

Terminal 2 reopened after a major expansion and modernisation project. Originally built for the 2010 Commonwealth Games and later mothballed, T2 has been rebuilt and reopened as a modern domestic terminal. It serves as an overflow terminal to reduce congestion at T1 and T3, and it handles domestic flights only.

Airlines Currently Using T2

T2 primarily handles domestic flights from select airlines, including some IndiGo departures that have been shifted from T1 to manage load. Alliance Air and a few regional carriers also operate from T2. The specific airline allocation between T1 and T2 changes periodically, so checking your boarding pass is non-negotiable.

Digi Yatra facial recognition is active at T2. The terminal was designed with modern passenger processing in mind: wider corridors, aerobridges for all gates, and automated boarding gates.

T2 vs T1: How Do They Compare?

T2 is the newer, more modern terminal of the two domestic options. The architecture feels airier, with higher ceilings and better natural lighting. Security processing tends to be faster here because passenger volumes are still ramping up.

However, T2 has fewer food and retail options compared to T1 at the moment. That gap is closing as more concessions open, but for now, eat before you arrive if you’re particular about options.

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Which Airlines Operate from Terminal 3 (T3)?

Terminal 3 is Delhi’s flagship terminal, the one you see in photos. Opened in 2010 ahead of the Commonwealth Games, it spans 5.4 lakh square metres, making it one of the largest airport terminals in the world by area, and handles both domestic and international operations. It serves as the hub for Air India and all international carriers.

The scale shows in the layout: multiple check-in rows, a large immigration hall, and its own bank of security lanes and aircraft stands. The terminal operates 24 hours a day.

International Airlines at T3

Every international flight at Delhi Airport uses T3. This includes carriers like Emirates, Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, British Airways, Qatar Airways, Etihad, Thai Airways, and dozens more. All international arrivals also funnel through T3’s immigration and customs halls.

Domestic Airlines at T3

After the Air India-Vistara merger completed in late 2024, the combined Air India now operates all international and most domestic flights from T3. However, some Air India domestic flights have moved to Terminal 2 (T2) as of 2026. Other domestic airlines at T3 include:

• Air India (AI), all international routes and most domestic flights. Note: Air India also operates some domestic flights from Terminal 2 (T2) as of 2026, so always check your boarding pass.
• Air India Express (IX), select domestic and international routes
• Akasa Air (QP), domestic flights (some Akasa departures operate from T3)

If you’re flying any international airline, head straight to T3. For Air India domestic flights, most depart from T3 but some now operate from T2 as of 2026, so always verify your terminal on your boarding pass or the Air India app.

T3 Facilities Worth Knowing About

T3 is where Delhi Airport’s best amenities live. Duty-free shopping spans a large retail zone in both departures and arrivals. Food courts serve everything from McDonald’s, KFC, Pizza Hut, and Subway to a South Indian thali restaurant, Bengali Sweets, and The Beer Café, with the level-3 food court near Gate 10 being the busiest hub. Expect Rs 600-1,500 per person for a full meal; pre-security outlets in the departures hall are slightly cheaper. There are dedicated prayer rooms, a transit hotel, pharmacies, and currency exchange counters at every level.

The terminal also has premium lounges from Air India, Plaza Premium, and ITC Hotels, covered further below.

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How Do You Check Which Terminal Your Flight Departs From?

Getting the wrong terminal means a 20-30 minute shuttle ride plus a fresh security screening, and it is one of the most common travel-day mistakes at Delhi because the same airline can operate from two different terminals on the same morning. That’s a lot of unnecessary stress. Here’s how to avoid it.

Four Reliable Ways to Check

1. Boarding pass, after web check-in or counter check-in, your boarding pass clearly states the terminal (T1, T2, or T3). This is the most reliable source.
2. Airline app or website, open your airline’s app, go to “Manage Booking” or “Trip Details,” and the terminal will be listed with your flight information.
3. Delhi Airport website, visit newdelhiairport.in and check the live flight status page. Enter your flight number or route for real-time terminal info.
4. SMS from the airline, most airlines send an SMS 24-48 hours before departure with terminal details. Don’t delete those messages.

The golden rule: never assume your terminal based on past experience. Airlines occasionally shift terminals, especially IndiGo flights that swing between T1 and T2. Check every single time.

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How Does the Inter-Terminal Shuttle Bus Work?

Delhi Airport’s free inter-terminal shuttle service runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Buses connect T1, T2, and T3 with a frequency of roughly every 20 minutes, as per information published on newdelhiairport.in. The ride between T1 and T3 takes approximately 15-20 minutes depending on traffic inside the airport campus, and the route covers roughly 7 km by road. The shorter T2 to T3 hop takes around 10-15 minutes.

Are Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 connected at Delhi Airport?

T2 and T3 sit close together on the same side of the airfield, but there is no public walkway between them for ordinary departing passengers. The free inter-terminal shuttle is the normal way across, and it takes about 10-15 minutes. Air India also operates a dedicated transfer arrangement for passengers connecting between its own T2 and T3 flights, which can save you from going landside and re-clearing security. These arrangements change, so confirm with the airline when you book a connection that spans the two terminals.

Shuttle Bus Practical Details

• Cost: Completely free. No ticket required.
• Pickup point: Look for “Inter-Terminal Transfer” signage outside the arrivals area of each terminal. Staff in orange vests can point you to the bus stop.
• Frequency: Every 15-20 minutes around the clock. During peak hours (5 AM to 10 AM and 5 PM to 10 PM), buses run more frequently.
• Luggage: You can carry all your luggage on the bus. There’s space underneath and inside.
• Security: You’ll need to go through security screening again at the destination terminal. Factor in that extra time.

If you’ve landed at T3 and need to catch a connecting domestic flight from T1, budget at least 45-60 minutes for the transfer, counting shuttle wait, ride time, and re-screening.

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How Do You Reach Delhi Airport by Metro?

The Airport Express Line (Orange Line) operated by DMRC connects New Delhi Railway Station to Terminal 3 in about 20 minutes, covering 22 km. It’s the fastest and most reliable way to reach the airport, with trains running every 10-15 minutes through the day.

Metro Stations at Delhi Airport

• Airport Express Line, IGI Airport (Terminal 3) station: directly connected to T3 via a covered walkway. This is the main metro station for the airport.
• Magenta Line, Terminal 1-IGI Airport station: the metro station for T1, a short walk from the terminal entrance. Useful if you’re coming from South Delhi, Noida or the Janakpuri side.

Fare and Travel Time

A one-way trip from New Delhi metro station to the airport costs around Rs 60 on a regular token. If you have a Delhi Metro smart card, the fare is slightly lower. The entire journey takes 20-22 minutes from New Delhi station with no intermediate stops on the express section.

For passengers coming from other parts of Delhi, you can connect to the Airport Express Line at New Delhi, Shivaji Stadium, or Dhaula Kuan stations. The line also stops at Delhi Aerocity, the station for the airport hotel district. Trains run from early morning to late evening, roughly 5 AM to 11 PM, and DMRC publishes exact first and last train timings for each station on its website.

Metro vs Cab: Which Makes More Sense?

From central Delhi, the metro wins on speed and cost every time. A cab from Connaught Place to T3 takes 40-90 minutes depending on traffic and costs Rs 400-800. The metro does it in 20 minutes for Rs 60. The only scenario where a cab makes sense is if you’re travelling with heavy luggage, have a very early morning flight (before the first metro), or you’re a group of 3-4 splitting the fare.

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What Are the Parking Options and Costs?

Delhi Airport offers multi-level car parking at all three terminals, and the multi-level car park adjacent to T3 alone has over 4,000 spaces.

Parking Rate Summary

Duration	T1 Parking	T3 Parking
First hour	Rs 80	Rs 100
1-4 hours	Rs 50/hr additional	Rs 70/hr additional
4-8 hours	Rs 40/hr additional	Rs 50/hr additional
24 hours (full day)	Rs 500 approx.	Rs 700 approx.

Disclaimer: Parking rates are approximate as of early 2026 and may vary. DIAL revises rates periodically. Check signage at the parking entrance or the Delhi Airport website for current charges.

Tips for Airport Parking

For short pickups and drops, use the free 10-15 minute grace period in the drop-off lane outside departures. Don’t park in the multi-level lot for a quick pickup, it’s not worth the minimum charge. If you’re leaving your car for multiple days while travelling, look into private parking lots near the airport (like ParkFly or similar services) which can be 30-40% cheaper than DIAL’s official lots.

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How Does Digi Yatra Work at Delhi Airport?

Digi Yatra, India’s facial recognition-based airport entry system, is live at Delhi Airport’s T1, T2 and T3. It has been rolled out at a growing list of Indian airports since its 2022 launch by the DigiYatra Foundation, and enrolled passengers usually clear terminal entry faster because the e-gate reads their face instead of a printed boarding pass.

Where Digi Yatra Is Available at DEL

• T1: Digi Yatra e-gates operational at terminal entry
• T2: Fully equipped with Digi Yatra from day one of reopening
• T3: Digi Yatra e-gates at all entry points and select security checkpoints

How to Use Digi Yatra at Delhi Airport

1. Download the Digi Yatra app and register with Aadhaar + a selfie before your trip.
2. Add your flight PNR to the app at least 24 hours before departure.
3. At the airport, walk to the Digi Yatra e-gate (separate lane from regular entry).
4. Look at the camera. The gate opens automatically when your face matches the linked PNR.
5. Proceed to security. At T3, some security checkpoints also have facial recognition, so you may not need to show your boarding pass again.

Digi Yatra works best when you register at home, not at the airport. Registration takes about 10 minutes and needs a stable internet connection plus good lighting for the selfie, both easier to manage at home. Your facial data stays on your device and is shared with the airport only for the duration of your journey; it isn’t retained centrally.

Read our complete Digi Yatra setup guide for step-by-step registration help.

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What Lounges Are Available at Each Terminal?

Delhi Airport has over 15 lounges spread across T1, T2, and T3. Access options range from credit card complimentary passes to paid walk-in entry, and walk-in rates vary by lounge and by how long you stay.

Terminal 1 Lounges

• Travel Club Lounge, accessible with Priority Pass or direct bank-lounge partnerships (most major banks have replaced DreamFolks with direct agreements since late 2025). Decent food spread, Wi-Fi, charging points. Can get crowded during morning peak.

Terminal 2 Lounges

• Plaza Premium Lounge, a modern setup with hot meals, showers, and comfortable seating. One of the newer lounges in the Delhi Airport network.

Terminal 3 Lounges (Domestic)

• ITC Green Lounge by Afraa, known for its buffet quality. Accepts Priority Pass and credit card programmes.
• Plaza Premium Lounge, multiple locations within T3 domestic. Walk-in entry available.
• Air India Domestic Lounge, for Air India business class and Star Alliance Gold passengers.

Terminal 3 Lounges (International)

• Air India Maharaja Lounge, the airline’s rebuilt flagship lounge at T3 International, available to Air India business class and Star Alliance Gold members.
• Plaza Premium (International), pay-per-use or card access. Showers available.
• Encalm Prive Lounge, one of the most highly rated lounges in the country. Full bar, live food counters, sleeping pods. Accessible via Priority Pass and direct bank partnerships.

Most lounges accept Priority Pass and direct bank-lounge partnerships (HDFC, ICICI, Axis, SBI). Note: DreamFolks terminated its major Indian lounge contracts in late 2025, and most banks have transitioned to direct partnerships with lounge operators. Check your credit card’s current lounge programme with your bank before travelling.

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What Tips Help You Have a Smooth Experience at Delhi Airport?

At peak hours, security queues at T3 can stretch past 20 minutes and occasionally longer, while T1 usually moves faster simply because the terminal is smaller. A few small decisions can save you a lot of waiting.

When to Arrive at the Airport

• Domestic flights: Arrive 2 hours before departure. If flying during peak hours (6-9 AM or 6-9 PM), make it 2.5 hours.
• International flights: Arrive 3 hours before departure. Immigration queues at T3 can be unpredictable.
• Digi Yatra users: You can shave 15-20 minutes off entry and security, but don’t cut it too close.

Avoid Peak Congestion

The busiest periods at Delhi Airport are Monday and Friday mornings (6 AM to 9 AM) and Sunday evenings (5 PM to 9 PM). If you have flexibility on flight timing, mid-morning (10 AM to 1 PM) and mid-afternoon (1 PM to 4 PM) departures typically mean shorter queues across all terminals.

Security Screening Tips

Keep your laptop and power bank easily accessible, since you’ll need to place them in separate trays. Wear shoes you can slip off quickly. Avoid carrying liquids over 100ml in your cabin bag (they will get confiscated, not returned). Put all small metal items, keys, coins and belt, into your bag before joining the queue, not while standing at the scanner.

Unsure about what you can carry on board? Check our cabin baggage rules guide.

Connecting Flights at Delhi

If you have a connecting flight at a different terminal, don’t assume you’ll make a tight connection. Budget at least 2-3 hours between flights when terminals differ. The shuttle takes 15-20 minutes, but with waiting for the bus, travelling, re-entering the terminal, and clearing security again, the actual process takes 45-60 minutes at minimum.

One distinction that matters: if both legs are on a single PNR (a through-ticket), your airline is responsible for the connection. If you booked two separate tickets, the terminal transfer, meaning baggage reclaim, shuttle, re-check-in and security, is entirely your responsibility, so build in the full buffer.

For same-terminal connections (like two T3 flights), a 90-minute layover is usually sufficient for domestic-to-domestic. For international-to-domestic at T3, aim for at least 2.5 hours to clear immigration, collect bags, re-check in, and go through domestic security.

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Common Questions

Q: How many terminals does Delhi Airport have?
Delhi Airport (Indira Gandhi International, DEL) has three passenger terminals: T1, T2, and T3. T1 and T2 handle domestic flights, while T3 handles every international flight plus most Air India domestic services. Free shuttle buses connect all three terminals 24 hours a day, roughly every 15-20 minutes.

Q: Which terminal at Delhi Airport handles international flights?
All international flights at Delhi Airport operate from Terminal 3 (T3). This includes all foreign airlines (Emirates, Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, and others) and Air India’s international operations. International arrivals, meaning immigration, baggage claim and customs, are also at T3.

Q: Is T1 at Delhi Airport domestic or international?
Terminal 1 is a domestic terminal only. It has no immigration or customs facilities, so no international flight departs from or arrives at T1. If you booked an international ticket out of Delhi, your terminal is T3, and you should allow time for the shuttle if you land at T1 first.

Q: Which terminal is IndiGo at Delhi Airport?
Most IndiGo domestic flights depart from Terminal 1 (T1) at Delhi Airport. However, some IndiGo flights have been moved to Terminal 2 (T2) to manage passenger load, and IndiGo international flights use T3. Always confirm your terminal on your boarding pass or the IndiGo app before heading to the airport.

Q: Is there a free shuttle between Delhi Airport terminals?
Yes. Delhi Airport runs a free inter-terminal shuttle bus service 24 hours a day, connecting T1, T2, and T3. Buses run approximately every 15-20 minutes. The ride between T1 and T3 takes about 15-20 minutes. No ticket or booking is needed, just look for the “Inter-Terminal Transfer” signs outside arrivals.

Q: Are Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 connected at Delhi Airport?
They are close to each other but not joined by a public walkway, so the free inter-terminal shuttle (about 10-15 minutes) is the usual way across. Air India runs a dedicated transfer arrangement for passengers connecting between its own T2 and T3 flights. Confirm the details with your airline, as these arrangements change.

Q: How do I reach Delhi Airport by metro?
Take the Airport Express Line (Orange Line) from New Delhi Railway Station. The journey to Terminal 3 takes about 20 minutes and costs around Rs 60. Terminal 1 has its own station on the Magenta Line, called Terminal 1-IGI Airport. Trains run through the day at intervals of 10-15 minutes.

Q: Does Delhi Airport have Digi Yatra?
Yes. Digi Yatra facial recognition is operational at all three terminals: T1, T2, and T3. You need to register on the Digi Yatra app using Aadhaar and link your flight PNR before arriving at the airport. Digi Yatra has been rolled out at a growing list of Indian airports since 2022.

Q: How early should I reach Delhi Airport for a domestic flight?
Arrive at least 2 hours before your domestic flight departure time. During peak hours (6-9 AM and 6-9 PM), arrive 2.5 hours early. Security screening at T3 can take 20 minutes or more during rush periods. Digi Yatra users may save 15-20 minutes at entry and security.

Q: What happened to Vistara at Delhi Airport?
Vistara merged with Air India in late 2024 as part of the Tata Group’s airline consolidation. Former Vistara domestic and international routes now operate under the Air India brand from Terminal 3. If you hold an old Vistara booking, your flight will show as Air India with an AI flight number.

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Wrapping Up

Delhi Airport isn’t complicated once you know the basics: three terminals, with T1 for IndiGo and SpiceJet domestic, T2 for overflow domestic and some Air India domestic, and T3 for Air India (most domestic and all international) plus every other international carrier. The single most important thing you can do is check your terminal before leaving home, because allocations do shift. Everything else, shuttles, metro, Digi Yatra, falls into place after that.

Save this guide for your next Delhi Airport trip. And if you haven’t already, set up Digi Yatra and complete your web check-in before you leave home. Those two steps alone will make your airport experience noticeably faster.

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