Delhi Airport Opens Pier C For International Operations
DIAL said Pier C will initially handle international arrivals and will move to full arrivals and departures operations after phased security and operational clearances. The opening is being carried out in stages following required checks and coordination with security stakeholders. The change results in Terminal three having three international piers and one domestic pier.
In the April–July 2026 period, the first four months of FY27, Delhi Airport handled 19.5 million (mn) domestic passengers, up 8.1 per cent year-on-year, and 6.9 mn international passengers, up 0.9 per cent. The facility will also improve the terminal's ability to accommodate next-generation wide-body aircraft on long-haul routes. DIAL described the conversion as part of a broader capacity enhancement plan.
The preparedness plan has been implemented with the Central Industrial Security Force, Bureau of Civil Aviation Security, airlines, ground-handling agencies, immigration and customs authorities to ensure operational readiness. DIAL's chief executive officer said extensive preparations had been undertaken to welcome international delegations and to manage the anticipated increase in traffic while maintaining safety and passenger experience. Teams continue to work around the clock ahead of the summit.
The additional capacity is expected to give the airport greater flexibility to handle the increase in international flights and passengers during the event and to smooth terminal operations. In 2025, select domestic services were shifted from Terminal three to other terminals as part of expansion works, with certain Air India operations moved to Terminal two from October 26, 2025. GMR Airports Limited served more than 121 million passengers across its assets in FY26.