Gautam Kumar Mishra, New Delhi: Preparations are in the final stages to transform Delhi's Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport, the country’s largest aviation hub, into a world-class global transit destination in the next decade.

Under existing regulations, the airport's master plan must be reviewed every 10 years. In line with this rule, operating agency DIAL is finalising its next master plan for 2026-2036, which is expected to be announced in the next one to two months.

The new master plan aims to boost IGI Airport's annual passenger capacity from 105 million to 140 million while prioritising pending and incomplete projects from the previous plan. The expansion is set to reinforce Delhi's dominance in the region amid growing competition from the Noida International Airport.

ALSO READ: Andhra Pradesh: PM Modi Unveils Bhogapuram Airport, Mega Projects Worth Rs 17,900 Cr; Check What's New

Airlines Push For Dedicated Terminals And Air Train

Following massive orders for hundreds of new aircraft by Tata-owned Air India and IndiGo, both airlines are pushing for dedicated terminals to serve their respective operations. Additionally, they are seeking approval for an elevated "Air Train" to seamlessly connect T1, T2, and T3 across a nine-kilometre stretch.

50% Increase In T3 Capacity

The conversion of Terminal 3’s "Pier C" for international operations has increased its international passenger capacity from 20 million to 30 million annually. Furthermore, the construction of a new "Pier E" at T3 will elevate total airport capacity from 105 million to 125 million by 2029-30.

Future Expansion: T2 Demolition And Terminal 4

Terminal 2 will remain operational until at least 2030 to monitor the impact of the Noida International Airport in Jewar. After 2030, T2 will be demolished to clear the way for a new Terminal 4 (T4), taking the airport’s's total capacity to 140 million passengers.

Seamless Transfers And Airside Baggage Drop Trials

Travellers who have already passed security will be transferred from the airside to the other terminals without undergoing a second security check.

With BCAS approval, trials for airside baggage drop for international-to-domestic connecting passengers have officially begun, eliminating the need for travellers to carry their own luggage between T1, T2, and T3. However, approval for full airside passenger transfers is also currently underway.

Landside Commercial Development And Non-Aviation Revenue

Under the new plan, there will be a strong emphasis on boosting non-aviation revenues. Key developments include expanding the Aerocity on the outskirts of the airport complex, along with constructing luxury hotels, business parks, and commercial hubs.

ALSO READ: Shravani Mela: Evening Flights From Delhi To Deoghar Resume Today; Check Timings

The Evolution Of Master Plan: From 2006 To Today

The first master plan, prepared after the airport's privatisation in May 2006, was revised in 2016 under Phase 3A and 3B. The previous plan included the T3 terminal, the country's first four-runway system, the Eastern Cross Taxiway, a new integrated T1, and the "Aerocity" hub before the 2010 Commonwealth Games.

However, projects like the Air Train and Terminal 4 were previously put on hold to prioritise immediate expansion at T1 and T3.