Delhi airport eyes 130 million passenger capacity
AVIATION & AIRPORTS

Delhi airport eyes 130 million passenger capacity

The Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) in Delhi could soon scale up its annual passenger handling capacity to 130 million, according to its CEO, Videh Kumar Jaipuriar. He said the expansion is achievable as “efficiencies can thrive” across terminals.

Currently, India’s busiest airport has the capacity to handle over 100 million passengers annually. In the year ending 31 March 2025, IGIA managed 79.3 million passengers. While passenger numbers are expected to rise this year, Jaipuriar did not provide a specific estimate.

The airport operates three terminals — T1, T2, and T3 — with international flights exclusively from T3. The refurbished Terminal 2 began operations on 26 October, expanding the airport’s overall infrastructure.

Jaipuriar explained that the target of 130 million passengers per year is within reach. “T1 is designed for 40 million passengers annually, but we can stretch that by 3–10 per cent through operational efficiencies, taking it to around 44 million,” he said.

“At T3, we are already handling around 51 million passengers, though it was originally designed for 34 million,” he added. The new piers at T3 are expected to add capacity for another 10–12 million passengers per annum, while the refurbished T2 can handle 15 million.

Following the inauguration of the revamped T2, Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu also confirmed that IGIA’s capacity could rise to 130 million passengers annually once all efficiency measures are implemented.

Meanwhile, Jaipuriar highlighted the success of a new airside baggage transfer system for international passengers moving from T3 to T1. “We are currently running a successful Proof of Concept (PoC), and it should soon receive full approval,” he said.

Under this system, passengers can drop their checked baggage at T3 after customs clearance, and it will be automatically transferred airside to T1 — eliminating the need to carry it physically. The trial has been running for eight to nine months.

The airport is operated by Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL), a GMR Group-led consortium, and features four runways, making it one of the largest aviation hubs in Asia.

The Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) in Delhi could soon scale up its annual passenger handling capacity to 130 million, according to its CEO, Videh Kumar Jaipuriar. He said the expansion is achievable as “efficiencies can thrive” across terminals. Currently, India’s busiest airport has the capacity to handle over 100 million passengers annually. In the year ending 31 March 2025, IGIA managed 79.3 million passengers. While passenger numbers are expected to rise this year, Jaipuriar did not provide a specific estimate. The airport operates three terminals — T1, T2, and T3 — with international flights exclusively from T3. The refurbished Terminal 2 began operations on 26 October, expanding the airport’s overall infrastructure. Jaipuriar explained that the target of 130 million passengers per year is within reach. “T1 is designed for 40 million passengers annually, but we can stretch that by 3–10 per cent through operational efficiencies, taking it to around 44 million,” he said. “At T3, we are already handling around 51 million passengers, though it was originally designed for 34 million,” he added. The new piers at T3 are expected to add capacity for another 10–12 million passengers per annum, while the refurbished T2 can handle 15 million. Following the inauguration of the revamped T2, Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu also confirmed that IGIA’s capacity could rise to 130 million passengers annually once all efficiency measures are implemented. Meanwhile, Jaipuriar highlighted the success of a new airside baggage transfer system for international passengers moving from T3 to T1. “We are currently running a successful Proof of Concept (PoC), and it should soon receive full approval,” he said. Under this system, passengers can drop their checked baggage at T3 after customs clearance, and it will be automatically transferred airside to T1 — eliminating the need to carry it physically. The trial has been running for eight to nine months. The airport is operated by Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL), a GMR Group-led consortium, and features four runways, making it one of the largest aviation hubs in Asia.

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

MMRDA advances 250 m on Orange Gate–Marine Drive tunnel

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has completed 250 m of underground tunnelling for the Orange Gate–Marine Drive Urban Road Tunnel using India’s largest slurry shield tunnel boring machine (TBM) deployed for an urban road project.The project involves twin tunnels extending over 7 km beneath critical transport corridors, including Central Railway, Western Railway and Metro Line 3. The work requires high-precision engineering to navigate densely developed urban infrastructure.Once completed, the tunnel is expected to reduce travel time between Orange Gate and Marin..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Hindustan Zinc Pays Rs 188.46 Billion in FY26

Hindustan Zinc contributed Rs 188.46 billion to the public exchequer in FY 2025-26, according to its 9th Tax Transparency Report. The contribution, equivalent to 46 per cent of the company’s revenue, included direct and indirect taxes, government royalties, dividends to the Government of India, withholding taxes and other statutory levies.The company’s five-year cumulative contribution to the exchequer stood at Rs 915.72 billion. In FY26, Hindustan Zinc reported revenue of Rs 408.44 billion, EBITDA of Rs 221.62 billion and profit after tax of Rs 138.32 billion. It also achieved its highest..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

World of Concrete India 2026 Opens in Mumbai

Informa Markets in India will host the 12th edition of World of Concrete India 2026 from 3–5 June 2026 at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai. The specialised B2B exhibition will bring together manufacturers, suppliers, contractors, developers, architects, consultants, infrastructure companies, project leaders and government stakeholders.The event is expected to feature over 350 brands and more than 18,000 trade professionals. It will cover concrete and cement, dry mortar, precast technologies, formwork, construction chemicals, industrial and commercial flooring, scaffolding, safety solutio..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement