Delhi Airport Guide 2026: Everything You Need to Know

Last Updated on Oct 8th, 2026 by Kamal Kishor, Leave a Comment

Key Takeaways

• Delhi IGI Airport has three passenger terminals: T1, T2, and T3.
• A free shuttle runs every 20 minutes, 24/7, between T1 and T3. T2 and T3 are connected by a walkway.

Introduction

Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) is India’s busiest airport and the primary international gateway to the country. Located in Palam, approximately 16 kilometres southwest of New Delhi city centre, it handles over 73 million passengers annually across three terminals.

For travellers flying from Australia to India, Delhi is one of the most common destinations. It has direct flight services from Sydney and Melbourne, with connecting options available from other Australian cities. Major airline hubs like Air India, Qantas, and Singapore Airlines serve the Australia to Delhi route.

This complete guide covers everything you need to know about DEL terminals, transfers, arrivals, departures, lounges, parking, transport, and essential tips for your journey.

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Did You Know? Delhi IGI Airport was ranked the 11th busiest airport in the world according to the 2025 list of busiest airports by passenger traffic.

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About DEL

Detail	Airport Information
Airport	Indira Gandhi International Airport
Airport Code	DEL
Location	Palam, New Delhi
International Terminal	T3
Domestic Terminals	T1 & T2
Distance to New Delhi	16 km
Main Transport	Metro, taxi, rideshare, bus
Operating Hours	24/7

Delhi Airport operates across three passenger terminals. T3 handles all international flights plus select domestic services. T1 and T2 are domestic-only terminals.

Book Your Flights From Delhi To Australia

• Delhi to Melbourne Flights
• Delhi to Sydney Flights
• Delhi to Brisbane Flights
• Delhi to Perth Flights
• Delhi to Adelaide Flights

Delhi Airport Terminals: T1, T2 & T3

Delhi International Airport operates three passenger terminals: T1, T2, and T3. While they are located on the same airport campus and serve different airlines, they are physically separated. However, they are connected by free inter-terminal shuttle buses, the Delhi Metro, and walking paths (between T2 and T3) to make transfers easy.

Terminal	Main operation	Remember this.
T1	Domestic	IndiGo, SpiceJet, Air India Express
T2	Domestic	Selected Air India and IndiGo domestic flights
T3	International + Domestic	All international carriers + some Domestic

T3: Delhi Airport’s International Terminal

All international carriers from Air India, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Qantas, etc. operate from Delhi Airport Terminal 3.

T1 & T2: Domestic Terminals

If you’re travelling domestically, T1 and T2 are the primary terminals. The exact terminal you use will vary by airline. For instance,

• IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Air India Express operate from Terminal 1
• Air India (on select domestic routes) uses Terminal 2
• Air India (other domestic flights) and IndiGo (flights 6E 5000-5999) are at Terminal 3.

If two flights of the same airline are flying on the same day, they may depart from different terminals. So, always check your terminal on your boarding pass. Not just your airline.

Travel Documents

For domestic flights, carry a valid ID card (Aadhaar, driving licence, PAN, or voter ID). For international flights, a valid passport and visa are mandatory. Always keep a digital or printed copy of your ticket and your ID handy.

IGI Airport Check-In Tips

Save time by checking in online. Web check-in for domestic flights is typically available between 48 hours and 1 hour before departure. International flights allow web check-in from 48 hours to 1 hour before departure.

Self-service kiosks are available at T1, T2, and T3 for printing boarding passes and baggage tags. Self-service counters for dropping off baggage allow you to scan your tag and drop your bag in about 30 seconds.

Baggage Guidelines

Baggage allowances vary by airline. Check your airline’s website for the most up-to-date information. Passengers are allowed only one handbag or cabin bag onboard. For a detailed breakdown of allowances and restrictions, see our guide on prohibited items on planes.

Delhi IGI Immigration Process

For international departures, immigration clearance happens after check-in and before security screening. Have your passport, visa, and completed customs forms ready. Fast-track lanes are available for passengers in the Trusted Traveller Programme.

Always keep your passport, boarding pass, and baggage tags until you leave the airport. You may need them at multiple checkpoints.

Delhi Airport Terminal Transfers

Transfer	Distance	Options	Time
T1 ↔ T3	7 to 8 km	Free shuttle (every 20 min, 24/7) or taxi	20 to 40 min
T2 ↔ T3	500 m	Walkway or buggy	5 to 10 min
T1 ↔ T2	7 to 8 km	Free shuttle	20 to 40 min

Delhi Airport Transport

There are multiple transport options available at Delhi Airport.

• Airport Express Metro
• Prepaid Taxi
• Rideshare (Uber/Ola)
• Bus

Picking Someone Up?

Delhi International Airport has designated pickup areas, but the rules differ from ordinary parking. If the passenger isn’t ready, use the appropriate waiting or short-term parking option rather than sitting at the terminal kerb.

Delhi International Airport Facilities

Need	What to Expect
Wi-Fi	Free throughout all terminals
Charging	Power outlets and USB ports are available.
ATMs	Available across all terminals
Currency exchange	Counters in T3 arrivals
SIM cards	Airtel and Jio counters in the arrivals hall
Toilets	Available throughout all terminals
Baby facilities	Baby care rooms and changing facilities
Accessibility	Wheelchair assistance, accessible toilets
Seating	Available throughout terminals
Lost property	T3 arrivals office

New well-being services at IGI Airport

Delhi Airport has introduced new services for passengers:

• Sleeping pods: available near T3 for hourly rest.
• Transit by Encalm: Nap & Shower facility at the MLCP near T3.
• Encalm Xenia Lounge: first-class-style lounge with sleep suites.

Food and Shopping at Delhi International Airport

All three terminals have dining options, from quick-service outlets to sit-down restaurants. T3 features Dilli Street in the Arrival Forecourt, offering local Delhi-style food at reasonable prices. The international departure area has an extensive duty-free zone with tax-free products.

Lounges at DEL

DEL has multiple lounges across all terminals. These offer a quieter space with complimentary food, drinks, and Wi-Fi.

Lounge	Terminal
Encalm Lounge (Domestic)	T1, T2, T3
Encalm Prive (Domestic)	T1
Encalm Prive (Domestic)	T3
Encalm Lounge (International)	T3
Encalm Xenia (First Class)	T3

Access is available through bank card privileges, walk-in payment, Priority Pass, or DragonPass memberships. Children under 6 are complimentary.

Need help choosing the right lounge? See our complete Delhi Airport lounges guide.

DEL for Different Travellers

• Travelling with Children

Baby care rooms are available throughout the terminals. Prams can be taken through security. Kids’ menus are available at select restaurants.

• Travelling with Elderly Passengers

Seating is available throughout terminals. Wheelchair assistance can be requested through your airline. Buggy services are available for long distances.

• Accessibility Services
  • Accessible toilets throughout
  • Wheelchair assistance through airlines
  • Lifts and ramps at all terminals
  • Priority lanes for passengers with reduced mobility

Free Wi-Fi at Delhi Airport

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport. Select ‘GMR Free Wi-Fi’ on your device and follow the OTP process. International travellers without an Indian number may need to use a kiosk or seek assistance at the airport. 

What Can You Do During a Delhi Airport Layover?

Got time before your next flight? Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi, has plenty to keep you occupied.

• Short Layover (2 to 4 Hours) – Stay Inside

If you have less than 4 hours, stay inside the terminal. Delhi International Airport has plenty of places to eat, shop, and relax. Don’t risk leaving the airport. The security re-entry queues can take an hour out of your buffer.

What can you do?

Grab a meal at Dilli Street in the Arrival Forecourt, find a quiet corner near your gate, and keep an eye on the departure boards. If you have lounge access, use it; the Encalm Lounge offers complimentary food, drinks, and Wi-Fi.

• Medium Layover (5 to 8 Hours) – Aerocity Hotels

Aerocity is a hotel district just 10 to 15 minutes from the airport. Options include Lemon Tree, Ibis, Novotel, and Radisson Blu. Many offer day-use rates.

• Long Layover (8+ Hours) – Sleep Pods, Transit Hotel, or Quick City Dash

If you have 8+ hours and want to see Delhi, the Airport Express Metro can get you to New Delhi in 20 minutes. But be realistic about timing; you’ll need at least 3 hours for the round trip plus airport re-entry. So it’s better if you stay inside the terminal or near the airport and use these

Holiday Inn Express	Inside T3	For transit passengers only
Encalm Transit Nap & Shower	Multi-Level Car Park near T3	Offers standard and twin rooms with flexible 6, 12, and 24-hour stays

You also have the option of using the sleeping pods to relax

SAMS Snooze At My Space	Near T3
Infinity Sleeping Pods	Near the airport

Need help planning your layover? Our team can help you compare flight options and plan your transit time. 

India to Sydney Flights

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• Trivandrum to Sydney Flights

Flying From Delhi?

Now that you know your way around DEL airport, which terminal you need, how to transfer, where to eat, and how to get to the city, the next step is to choose the right flight.

Whether you’re heading to Australia or connecting to another Indian city, our team at MyTiketsToIndia can help you compare routes based on your destination, dates, and travel priorities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How many terminals does Delhi Airport have?

A: Delhi Airport has three passenger terminals: T1 (domestic), T2 (domestic), and T3 (international + select domestic).

Q: How do I go from Terminal 1 to Terminal 3?

A: Use the free inter-terminal shuttle bus (every 20 minutes, 24/7). The journey takes 15 to 40 minutes depending on traffic. You can also take a taxi (20 to 40 minutes).

Q: Are there lounges at Delhi Airport, and how do I get access?

A: Yes. Encalm Lounge is available in T1, T2, and T3. Access is available through bank card privileges or walk-in payment.

Q: Can I sleep at DEL during a layover?

A: Yes. Options include the Holiday Inn Express (inside T3, transit passengers only), Encalm Transit Nap & Shower, and sleeping pods like SAMS Snooze At My Space.

Q: Where can I exchange currency at Delhi Airport?

A: Currency exchange counters are available in the arrivals area of T3. ATMs are also available throughout the terminal.

Q: Where can I find food at Delhi Airport at reasonable prices?

A: Dilli Streat in T3 Arrival Forecourt offers local Delhi-style food at airport-friendly prices. Food courts in T3 international departures also have multiple options.

MyTicketsToIndia offers competitive fares on flights from Delhi to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and more. Book your next journey with us for a seamless travel experience.

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