Delhi Airport’s revamped Terminal 1 to start operations tomorrow, BA

Delhi Airport’s revamped Terminal 1 (T1) is set to reopen on August 17 following gradual upgrades and renovation work. The terminal was shut down on June 28 this year, after a roof collapse incident. The collapse was caused by heavy rains, which resulted in one fatality and six injuries. The new terminal was officially inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier this year on March 10.

During the closure, flights were redirected to Terminals 2 and 3, with IndiGo operating approximately 80 per cent of T1’s flights and SpiceJet handling the rest. The new Terminal 1 is part of the airport’s Phase 3A expansion project, which aims to bolster the airport’s capacity and enhance the passenger experience.

Major carriers IndiGo and SpiceJet will move substantial portions of their operations to the new terminal. SpiceJet will begin with 13 flights from T1 starting on August 17, while Indigo will commence operations with 34 flights from September 2, 2024. This redistribution is expected to alleviate congestion at Terminals 2 and 3 of the Delhi airport.

The new Terminal 1 is designed to offer an aesthetically pleasing and efficient environment for travellers. It includes facilities like the “Queue Buster-Mobile Check-in service,” which will help passengers avoid long lines at check-in counters. Other innovations include an Automated Tray Retrieval System (ATRS), Individual Carrier System (ICS), Common Usage Self Service (CUSS) kiosks, and Self Baggage Drop (SBD) kiosks, all aimed at creating a seamless travel experience.

Passengers can also enjoy enhanced amenities within the terminal, including expanded baggage reclaim carousels, multiple entry gates, and improved Shop and Dine facilities.

Connectivity to Terminal 1 is well-established, with direct access to the Delhi Metro’s Magenta Line and regular bus services provided by the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC). The terminal is also connected to Terminals 2 and 3 via a shuttle bus service.

All passengers flying by SpiceJet flights will have to enter through Entry Gate A, at the ground floor. Passengers taking IndiGo flights will have to enter the new terminal through Entry Gates 5 and 6 at the first floor. All passenger arrivals will take place through dedicated Arrivals at the ground floor. For Arrivals, passengers would have to take the same arrival route to come out of the terminal.

In tandem with the opening of T1, the Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) has announced that Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) has become the first airport in Asia to achieve Net Zero Carbon Emission status under the Airport Council International’s (ACI) Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) program. This Level 5 certification reflects the airport’s leadership in sustainability and its commitment to achieving a net zero carbon balance for all emissions within its control (Scope 1 and 2), as well as its efforts to influence and report on Scope 3 emissions.

Delhi Airport reached this milestone years ahead of its original target of 2030, largely due to innovative strategies like adopting renewable energy, promoting electric vehicles, and implementing zero waste to landfill programs. With 90 per cent of Scope 1 and 2 CO2 emissions already reduced, DIAL has addressed the remaining emissions through approved offset removals, meeting the rigorous requirements of the ACA program.