Expansion plans unveiled for Delhi Airport

Indian engineering firm and airport operator GMR Group has kicked off the next phase of its expansion plans for Terminal 1 (T1) at Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi, India.

The Phase 3A expansion works, being carried out as per the Master Plan 2016, would increase the capacity of Delhi Airport to handle 100 million passengers annually when complete in June 2022.

Shri I Prabhakara Rao, deputy managing director, GMR Group, said, “The mega expansion of Delhi Airport would not only help the existing airlines to enhance their services, but also create adequate room for new airlines to initiate their services. With this expansion, Delhi Airport will once again set a new standard for the airport experience. Our vision is to be at the forefront of creating world-class facilities and value-added amenities for our customers and making it one of the best airports across the world.”

Part of GMR’s wider development plan, Phase 3A works include the integration of the Departure and Arrival terminals of T1; the construction of a new T1 apron and fourth runway; new dual elevated Eastern Cross Taxiways (ECT); landside developments to improve circulation and connectivity; and a series of Terminal 3 (T3) modification works. After the expansion, Delhi Airport would become the first airport in India to have four runways.

The Arrival and Departure terminals will be integrated under a single roof to form the new T1 facility. It will come with associated enhancements in baggage handling and security screening systems. The total area of T1 will increase from 64,140m² (690,000ft²) to 192,985m² (2,080,000ft²) and capacity will increase from 20 MPPA to 40 MPPA.

The integrated terminal will also boast several advanced technologies including facial recognition, automated tray retrieval system, individual carrier system, and self bag drop kiosks, among others.

T3 is set to receive significant improvements to its international transfer capabilities, with more space and a seventh check-in island with associated baggage systems and two arrival carousels.

The entire baggage handling system of T3 is also receiving an IT upgrade. With all these enhancements, the passenger throughput of T3 would go up from 34 MPPA to 45 MPPA.

Landside, a flyover will be constructed at Aerocity metro station junction to reduce travel time from T1 to T3. The Central Spine Road will also be widened from eight lanes to 12 lanes to cater for the expected increase in traffic.