IGIA Unveils New Master Plan Aiming for 50% Increase in International Capacity by 2030
India’s busiest airport, Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) in Delhi, is set to enhance its international traffic capacity by over 50% with the addition of a new pier in Terminal 3. This expansion is part of a broader plan that will also marginally increase domestic capacity through internal modifications in Terminal 1 over the next four years. The airport’s overall capacity will rise from the current 10.4 crore passengers per annum (CPA) to over 12.5 crore by early 2030.
The new international pier E will have a capacity of 1.6 crore passengers, allowing Terminal 3 to handle 6.6 crore passengers in total, with 4.6 crore allocated for international traffic and 2 crore for domestic. Terminal 1 is expected to increase its capacity to 4.5 crore passengers through the addition of check-in and security counters, while Terminal 2 will remain unchanged for several years before plans for a new Terminal 4 are initiated.
Master Plan Submission
Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL), backed by the GMR Group, is finalizing a 10-year master plan that will be submitted to the aviation ministry this month. This plan follows a consultation held on August 16, where stakeholders discussed the proposed changes. The ministry will review the plan and may suggest modifications before final approval is expected by March. DIAL anticipates that the execution of the plan will take about three years from the start of construction.
The estimated cost for the new international pier E is around Rs 2,000 crore, while the upgrades to Terminal 1 are projected to cost approximately Rs 100 crore. Attendees of the consultation noted that IGIA currently has sufficient domestic capacity, nearing 8 crore passengers.
Infrastructure Improvements
In anticipation of increased road traffic due to the airport expansion and the opening of a major mall in Aerocity, the Delhi government has requested RITES to assess necessary road improvements. RITES has reportedly submitted a report to the Public Works Department, which includes plans for a Y-shaped flyover to facilitate smoother traffic flow between Terminals 1 and 3. The proposal also suggests doubling the road width leading to Terminal 3 and expanding the under-runway tunnel.
Airside Transfer System
DIAL has completed arrangements for airside transfers between Terminals 1 and 3 and is currently awaiting clearance from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security to commence operations. The airport has procured six low-floor Volvo buses equipped with baggage compartments for this purpose, which will be deployed once approval is granted.
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