Delhi Airport Terminal Guide: T1, T2 and T3 Explained
Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) handles over 7.3 crore passengers annually, making it India’s busiest airport, according to data from the Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL). With three active terminals spread across a massive campus, figuring out which terminal your flight departs from can be genuinely confusing — especially if you’re a first-time flyer or visiting Delhi after a gap.
This guide breaks down exactly which airlines operate from T1, T2, and T3, how to get between terminals, metro connections, parking costs, lounge options, and practical tips that’ll save you time and stress on travel day.
TL;DR
Delhi Airport has three terminals: T1 (IndiGo, SpiceJet domestic), T2 (expanded domestic overflow and select carriers), and T3 (Air India international and most domestic, plus all other international carriers). Note: Air India also operates select domestic flights from T2. Always confirm your terminal on your boarding pass or airline app. Free inter-terminal shuttle buses run 24/7 and take 15-20 minutes between terminals.
Already have your terminal sorted? Do your web check-in before heading out.
Which Airlines Fly from Terminal 1 (T1)?
Terminal 1 is Delhi Airport’s dedicated low-cost domestic terminal. It handles roughly 2 crore passengers per year, according to DIAL’s capacity data shared on newdelhiairport.in. If you’re flying IndiGo or SpiceJet on a domestic route, T1 is almost certainly your terminal.
Key Takeaway:
Terminal 1 at Delhi Airport serves domestic flights on IndiGo and SpiceJet exclusively. If your boarding pass says T1, you cannot access T3 facilities — plan accordingly.
Airlines Operating from T1
- IndiGo (6E) — Most IndiGo domestic departures use T1, though select flights operate from T2. Always check your boarding pass.
- SpiceJet (SG) — All SpiceJet domestic flights depart from T1.
T1 Facilities at a Glance
T1 underwent a significant renovation between 2019 and 2022. The terminal now has self-check-in kiosks, improved security lanes, expanded food courts, and Digi Yatra-enabled entry gates. It’s smaller and simpler than T3, which actually works in your favour — walking distances are shorter and the layout is more straightforward.
Food options include standard airport chains: Burger King, Starbucks, and a few local food counters. Don’t expect the variety you’d find at T3, but you won’t go hungry either.
One thing to note: T1 has limited seating near some gates during peak morning hours (6 AM to 9 AM). If you’re on an early flight, arrive with enough buffer but don’t expect a relaxed lounge-like waiting area at the gate.
What’s New at Terminal 2 (T2)?
Terminal 2 reopened after a major expansion and modernisation project. Originally built for the 2010 Commonwealth Games and later mothballed, T2 has been redesigned to handle 1.8 crore passengers annually, according to DIAL’s official project updates on newdelhiairport.in. It serves as an overflow terminal to reduce congestion at T1 and T3.
Airlines Currently Using T2
T2 primarily handles domestic flights from select airlines, including some IndiGo departures that have been shifted from T1 to manage load. Alliance Air and a few regional carriers also operate from T2. The specific airline allocation between T1 and T2 changes periodically, so checking your boarding pass is non-negotiable.
Digi Yatra facial recognition is active at T2. The terminal was designed with modern passenger processing in mind — wider corridors, aerobridges for all gates, and automated boarding gates.
T2 vs T1: How Do They Compare?
T2 is the newer, more modern terminal of the two domestic options. The architecture feels airier, with higher ceilings and better natural lighting. Security processing tends to be faster here because passenger volumes are still ramping up.
However, T2 has fewer food and retail options compared to T1 at the moment. That gap is closing as more concessions open, but for now, eat before you arrive if you’re particular about options.
Which Airlines Operate from Terminal 3 (T3)?
Terminal 3 is Delhi’s flagship terminal — the one you see in photos. It’s the eighth-largest airport terminal in the world by area, handling both domestic and international operations. T3 processes over 4 crore passengers annually, per DIAL data, and serves as the hub for Air India and all international carriers.
International Airlines at T3
Every international flight at Delhi Airport uses T3. This includes carriers like Emirates, Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, British Airways, Qatar Airways, Etihad, Thai Airways, and dozens more. All international arrivals also funnel through T3’s immigration and customs halls.
Domestic Airlines at T3
After the Air India-Vistara merger completed in late 2024, the combined Air India now operates all international and most domestic flights from T3. However, some Air India domestic flights have moved to Terminal 2 (T2) as of 2026. Other domestic airlines at T3 include:
- Air India (AI) — All international routes and domestic flights. Note: Air India also operates some domestic flights from Terminal 2 (T2) as of 2026 — always check your boarding pass.
- Air India Express (IX) — Select domestic and international routes
- Akasa Air (QP) — Domestic flights (some Akasa departures operate from T3)
If you’re flying any international airline, head straight to T3. For Air India domestic flights, most depart from T3 but some now operate from T2 as of 2026 — always verify your terminal on your boarding pass or the Air India app.
T3 Facilities Worth Knowing About
T3 is where Delhi Airport’s best amenities live. Duty-free shopping spans a large retail zone in both departures and arrivals. Multiple food courts serve everything from McDonald’s to Indian thali counters. There are dedicated prayer rooms, a transit hotel, pharmacies, and currency exchange counters at every level.
The terminal also has premium lounges from Air India, Plaza Premium, and ITC Hotels — more on those below.
How Do You Check Which Terminal Your Flight Departs From?
Getting the wrong terminal means a 20-30 minute shuttle ride (plus re-screening). Around 3-5% of passengers at Delhi Airport end up at the wrong terminal on any given day, according to anecdotal reports from airport staff. That’s a lot of unnecessary stress. Here’s how to avoid it.
Four Reliable Ways to Check
- Boarding pass — After web check-in or counter check-in, your boarding pass clearly states the terminal (T1, T2, or T3). This is the most reliable source.
- Airline app or website — Open your airline’s app, go to “Manage Booking” or “Trip Details,” and the terminal will be listed with your flight information.
- Delhi Airport website — Visit newdelhiairport.in and check the live flight status page. Enter your flight number or route for real-time terminal info.
- SMS from the airline — Most airlines send an SMS 24-48 hours before departure with terminal details. Don’t delete those messages.
The golden rule: never assume your terminal based on past experience. Airlines occasionally shift terminals, especially IndiGo flights that swing between T1 and T2. Check every single time.
How Does the Inter-Terminal Shuttle Bus Work?
Delhi Airport’s free inter-terminal shuttle service runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Buses connect T1, T2, and T3 with a frequency of roughly every 20 minutes, as per information published on newdelhiairport.in. The ride between T1 and T3 takes approximately 15-20 minutes depending on traffic inside the airport campus.
Shuttle Bus Practical Details
- Cost: Completely free. No ticket required.
- Pickup point: Look for “Inter-Terminal Transfer” signage outside the arrivals area of each terminal. Staff in orange vests can point you to the bus stop.
- Frequency: Every 15-20 minutes around the clock. During peak hours (5 AM to 10 AM and 5 PM to 10 PM), buses run more frequently.
- Luggage: You can carry all your luggage on the bus. There’s space underneath and inside.
- Security: You’ll need to go through security screening again at the destination terminal. Factor in that extra time.
If you’ve landed at T3 and need to catch a connecting domestic flight from T1, budget at least 45-60 minutes for the transfer — shuttle wait, ride time, and re-screening included.
How Do You Reach Delhi Airport by Metro?
The Airport Express Line (Orange Line) operated by DMRC connects New Delhi Railway Station to Terminal 3 in just 20 minutes. It’s the fastest and most reliable way to reach the airport, with trains running every 10-15 minutes from 5 AM to 11 PM.
Metro Stations at Delhi Airport
- Airport Express Line — Terminal 3 station: Directly connected to T3 via a covered walkway. This is the main metro station for the airport.
- Airport Express Line — Terminal 1 station: Serves T1 with a short walk to the terminal entrance. Also accessible for T2 via a connecting walkway.
Fare and Travel Time
A one-way trip from New Delhi metro station to the airport costs around Rs 60 on a regular token. If you have a Delhi Metro smart card, the fare is slightly lower. The entire journey takes 20-22 minutes from New Delhi station with no intermediate stops on the express section.
For passengers coming from other parts of Delhi, you can connect to the Airport Express Line at New Delhi, Shivaji Stadium, or Dhaula Kuan stations. The Magenta Line also connects to Terminal 1 via Shankar Vihar station — useful if you’re coming from South Delhi.
Metro vs Cab: Which Makes More Sense?
From central Delhi, the metro wins on speed and cost every time. A cab from Connaught Place to T3 takes 40-90 minutes depending on traffic and costs Rs 400-800. The metro does it in 20 minutes for Rs 60. The only scenario where a cab makes sense is if you’re travelling with heavy luggage, have a very early morning flight (before 5 AM), or you’re a group of 3-4 splitting the fare.
What Are the Parking Options and Costs?
Delhi Airport offers multi-level car parking at all three terminals. Parking rates were last revised in 2024, with hourly charges starting at Rs 100 for the first hour at T3, according to signage displayed at the DIAL-managed parking facilities.
Parking Rate Summary
| Duration | T1 Parking | T3 Parking |
|---|---|---|
| First hour | Rs 80 | Rs 100 |
| 1-4 hours | Rs 50/hr additional | Rs 70/hr additional |
| 4-8 hours | Rs 40/hr additional | Rs 50/hr additional |
| 24 hours (full day) | Rs 500 approx. | Rs 700 approx. |
Disclaimer: Parking rates are approximate as of early 2026 and may vary. DIAL revises rates periodically. Check signage at the parking entrance or the Delhi Airport website for current charges.
Tips for Airport Parking
For short pickups and drops, use the free 10-15 minute grace period in the drop-off lane outside departures. Don’t park in the multi-level lot for a quick pickup — it’s not worth the minimum charge. If you’re leaving your car for multiple days while travelling, look into private parking lots near the airport (like ParkFly or similar services) which can be 30-40% cheaper than DIAL’s official lots.
How Does Digi Yatra Work at Delhi Airport?
Digi Yatra — India’s facial recognition-based airport entry system — is live at Delhi Airport’s T2 and T3, with T1 integration completed as well. Over 6 crore passengers have used Digi Yatra across Indian airports since its 2022 launch, per Ministry of Civil Aviation data. At Delhi, it cuts your entry-to-security time significantly.
Where Digi Yatra Is Available at DEL
- T1: Digi Yatra e-gates operational at terminal entry
- T2: Fully equipped with Digi Yatra from day one of reopening
- T3: Digi Yatra e-gates at all entry points and select security checkpoints
How to Use Digi Yatra at Delhi Airport
- Download the Digi Yatra app and register with Aadhaar + a selfie before your trip.
- Add your flight PNR to the app at least 24 hours before departure.
- At the airport, walk to the Digi Yatra e-gate (separate lane from regular entry).
- Look at the camera. The gate opens automatically when your face matches the linked PNR.
- Proceed to security. At T3, some security checkpoints also have facial recognition — no need to show your boarding pass.
We’ve found that Digi Yatra works best when you register at home, not at the airport. The registration process needs a stable internet connection and good lighting for the selfie, both of which are easier to manage at home.
Read our complete Digi Yatra setup guide for step-by-step registration help.
What Lounges Are Available at Each Terminal?
Delhi Airport has over 15 lounges spread across T1, T2, and T3. Access options range from credit card complimentary passes to paid walk-in entry starting around Rs 1,200-1,500 per person, based on rates posted by Plaza Premium Group for their Delhi Airport locations.
Terminal 1 Lounges
- Travel Club Lounge — Accessible with Priority Pass or direct bank-lounge partnerships (most major banks have replaced DreamFolks with direct agreements since late 2025). Decent food spread, Wi-Fi, charging points. Can get crowded during morning peak.
Terminal 2 Lounges
- Plaza Premium Lounge — Modern setup with hot meals, showers, and comfortable seating. One of the newer lounges in the Delhi Airport network.
Terminal 3 Lounges (Domestic)
- ITC Green Lounge by Afraa — Known for its buffet quality. Accepts Priority Pass and credit card programmes.
- Plaza Premium Lounge — Multiple locations within T3 domestic. Walk-in entry available.
- Air India Domestic Lounge — For Air India business class and Star Alliance Gold passengers.
Terminal 3 Lounges (International)
- Air India Maharaja Lounge — Brand new 16,000 sq ft lounge opened February 2026 at T3 International. Available to Air India business class and Star Alliance Gold members.
- Plaza Premium (International) — Pay-per-use or card access. Showers available.
- Encalm Prive Lounge — Widely regarded as India’s best domestic lounge. Full bar, live food counters, sleeping pods. Accessible via Priority Pass and direct bank partnerships.
Most lounges accept Priority Pass and direct bank-lounge partnerships (HDFC, ICICI, Axis, SBI). Note: DreamFolks terminated its major Indian lounge contracts in late 2025 — most banks have transitioned to direct partnerships with lounge operators. Check your credit card’s current lounge programme with your bank before travelling.
What Tips Help You Have a Smooth Experience at Delhi Airport?
Delhi Airport’s peak hours see security queues of 20-40 minutes at T3 and 15-25 minutes at T1, based on our observations across multiple trips in early 2026. A few small decisions can save you a lot of waiting.
When to Arrive at the Airport
- Domestic flights: Arrive 2 hours before departure. If flying during peak hours (6-9 AM or 6-9 PM), make it 2.5 hours.
- International flights: Arrive 3 hours before departure. Immigration queues at T3 can be unpredictable.
- Digi Yatra users: You can shave 15-20 minutes off entry and security, but don’t cut it too close.
Avoid Peak Congestion
The busiest periods at Delhi Airport are Monday and Friday mornings (6 AM to 9 AM) and Sunday evenings (5 PM to 9 PM). If you have flexibility on flight timing, mid-morning (10 AM to 1 PM) and mid-afternoon (1 PM to 4 PM) departures typically mean shorter queues across all terminals.
Security Screening Tips
Keep your laptop and power bank easily accessible — you’ll need to place them in separate trays. Wear shoes you can slip off quickly. Avoid carrying liquids over 100ml in your cabin bag (they will get confiscated, not returned). Put all small metal items — keys, coins, belt — into your bag before joining the queue, not while standing at the scanner.
Unsure about what you can carry on board? Check our cabin baggage rules guide.
Connecting Flights at Delhi
If you have a connecting flight at a different terminal, don’t assume you’ll make a tight connection. Budget at least 2-3 hours between flights when terminals differ. The shuttle takes 15-20 minutes, but with waiting for the bus, travelling, re-entering the terminal, and clearing security again, the actual process takes 45-60 minutes at minimum.
For same-terminal connections (like two T3 flights), a 90-minute layover is usually sufficient for domestic-to-domestic. For international-to-domestic at T3, aim for at least 2.5 hours to clear immigration, collect bags, re-check in, and go through domestic security.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which terminal is IndiGo at Delhi Airport?
Most IndiGo domestic flights depart from Terminal 1 (T1) at Delhi Airport. However, some IndiGo flights have been moved to Terminal 2 (T2) to manage passenger load. Always confirm your terminal on your boarding pass or the IndiGo app before heading to the airport. International IndiGo codeshare flights, if any, use T3.
Q: Is there a free shuttle between Delhi Airport terminals?
Yes. Delhi Airport runs a free inter-terminal shuttle bus service 24 hours a day, connecting T1, T2, and T3. Buses run approximately every 15-20 minutes. The ride between T1 and T3 takes about 15-20 minutes. No ticket or booking is needed — just look for the “Inter-Terminal Transfer” signs outside arrivals.
Q: How do I reach Delhi Airport by metro?
Take the Airport Express Line (Orange Line) from New Delhi Railway Station. The journey to Terminal 3 takes about 20 minutes and costs around Rs 60. There’s also a Terminal 1 metro station on the same line. Trains run from 5 AM to 11 PM at intervals of 10-15 minutes.
Q: Does Delhi Airport have Digi Yatra?
Yes. Digi Yatra facial recognition is operational at all three terminals — T1, T2, and T3. You need to register on the Digi Yatra app using Aadhaar and link your flight PNR before arriving at the airport. Over 6 crore passengers have used Digi Yatra across Indian airports since 2022, per Ministry of Civil Aviation data.
Q: How early should I reach Delhi Airport for a domestic flight?
Arrive at least 2 hours before your domestic flight departure time. During peak hours (6-9 AM and 6-9 PM), arrive 2.5 hours early. Security screening at T3 can take 20-40 minutes during rush periods. Digi Yatra users may save 15-20 minutes at entry and security.
Q: Which terminal at Delhi Airport handles international flights?
All international flights at Delhi Airport operate from Terminal 3 (T3). This includes all foreign airlines (Emirates, Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, etc.) and Air India’s international operations. International arrivals — immigration, baggage claim, and customs — are also at T3.
Q: What happened to Vistara at Delhi Airport?
Vistara merged with Air India in late 2024 as part of the Tata Group’s airline consolidation. Former Vistara domestic and international routes now operate under the Air India brand from Terminal 3. If you hold an old Vistara booking, your flight will show as Air India with an AI flight number.
Wrapping Up
Delhi Airport isn’t complicated once you know the basics: T1 for IndiGo and SpiceJet domestic, T2 for overflow domestic and some Air India domestic, and T3 for Air India (most domestic and all international), other international carriers, and full-service airlines. The single most important thing you can do is check your terminal before leaving home. Everything else — shuttles, metro, Digi Yatra — falls into place after that.
Save this guide for your next Delhi Airport trip. And if you haven’t already, set up Digi Yatra and complete your web check-in before you leave home. Those two steps alone will make your airport experience noticeably faster.
