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Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport will begin reopening Terminal 1 in stages from 17 August. This decision comes almost two months after a roof collapse brought operations to a halt, according to GMR Group, the airport's operator. On 28 June, heavy rain caused a large section of Terminal 1's roof to collapse, leading to one death and eight injuries.
Terminal 1, also known as Palam, is the oldest of the three terminals at Delhi airport. It was once the only terminal for both domestic and international flights. Since 2019, the terminal has been undergoing an expansion to boost its capacity from 17 million to 40 million passengers each year.
Impact on Operations
The collapsed section, including the canopy area, remains closed, which has impacted some check-in counters. However, operations in the new building, which was inaugurated in March, will gradually resume. An official from the airport, speaking anonymously, shared this information.
Delhi airport is the largest and busiest airport in India, handling about 20% of the country's domestic and international air traffic. In the fiscal year 2024, it managed 73.7 million passengers, reflecting a 12.8% increase compared to the previous year.
Flight Transfers
As part of the reopening plan, budget airlines IndiGo and SpiceJet will gradually move their flights back to Terminal 1. Starting on 17 August, SpiceJet will transfer 13 flights to Terminal 1. IndiGo will move 34 flights from Terminals 2 and 3, beginning on 2 September.
The airport operator stated, "SpiceJet flights will need to enter through Entry Gate A on the ground floor. Passengers on IndiGo flights will use Entry Gates 5 and 6 on the first floor. All passenger arrivals will occur through dedicated arrival areas on the ground floor."
Expansion Plans
The modernization of Delhi airport aims to prepare it for the future. The master plan includes expanding Terminal 1 into the largest domestic terminal in India, with the ability to handle up to 40 million passengers each year.
Before its closure in June, Terminal 1 was the exclusive terminal for all SpiceJet flights and some IndiGo flights. The newly revamped terminal was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in March.
Concession Agreement
In January 2006, a consortium led by GMR Group won a concession to operate, manage, and develop Indira Gandhi International Airport through international competitive bidding. The initial concession is for 30 years, with an option to extend it for an additional 30 years.
The three terminals at Delhi airport collectively have the capacity to handle around 104 million passengers annually, making it a crucial hub for both domestic and international travel in India.
The gradual reopening of Terminal 1 is a significant step toward restoring full operational capacity at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport after the unfortunate incident in June. This phased approach will ensure that the airport can safely and efficiently resume its full range of services.
