New Delhi: The revamped Terminal 2 (T2) of Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) was inaugurated on Saturday, October 25, 2025, by Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, marking a significant milestone in the modernization and expansion of India’s busiest airport. The terminal will resume flight operations from Sunday, October 26, with the first arriving flight being IndiGo 6E 2058 from Lucknow at approximately 00:25 hours, followed by the first departure, IndiGo 6E 2343 to Pune at 02:15 hours, according to Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL), the GMR Group-led consortium that manages IGIA.
The reopening of T2 comes after over six months of renovation, during which the more than 40-year-old terminal underwent comprehensive upgrades, including mechanical, electrical, and structural enhancements. The renovation was timed to coincide with the Winter Schedule 2025, when flight movements at IGIA are expected to increase by nearly 13 percent compared to the previous winter schedule, reflecting the rapid growth in domestic and regional air traffic.
Enhanced Capacity and Airline Operations
With T2 back in operation, Air India and IndiGo are expected to operate around 120 domestic flights daily from the upgraded terminal, providing more flexibility and balancing flight operations across IGIA’s three terminals (T1, T2, and T3). The addition of T2 is projected to support the airport’s growing passenger traffic, which currently accounts for nearly 50 percent of the Northern region’s air travel, and handles approximately 50,000 transfers daily.
At the inauguration, Minister Ram Mohan Naidu highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to transform India’s airports into world-class transit hubs, emphasizing that Delhi is emerging as a preferred transfer hub not only for domestic but also for regional connectivity. “Handling nearly half of the Northern region’s total passenger traffic, Delhi is set to become one of the world’s largest civil aviation ecosystems,” Naidu said.
DIAL’s CEO, Videh Kumar Jaipuriar, stated that the reopening of T2 would enhance efficiency and convenience for millions of travelers, enabling more balanced airline operations across the terminals and strengthening Delhi’s position as India’s premier aviation hub.
Key Features of the Upgraded Terminal
The revamped T2 incorporates several modern facilities aimed at improving passenger experience, streamlining operations, and supporting future growth:
- Self-Baggage Drop (SBD) Facility – This allows passengers to check in their luggage independently, significantly reducing queues and wait times at check-in counters.
- New Passenger Boarding Bridges (PBBs) – Six new PBBs have been added to facilitate smooth boarding and disembarkation.
- Mechanical and Electrical Upgrades – Comprehensive upgrades to air-conditioning, lighting, escalators, elevators, and fire safety systems have been completed to support increased passenger and aircraft movements.
- Sustainability Initiatives – T2 is designed with an emphasis on efficient space utilization and environmental sustainability, including the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), in line with India’s broader goals for greener aviation.
- Passenger-Centric Design – The terminal layout and passenger flow systems have been enhanced for greater convenience, faster processing, and improved safety.
These upgrades position T2 to handle significantly higher passenger volumes while maintaining service quality, operational efficiency, and safety standards.
Terminal Operations and Connectivity
IGIA, which now has three terminals and four runways, is among the busiest airports in India, managing over 1,300 flight movements daily and accommodating more than 100 million passengers annually. With the reopening of T2, IGIA will be better equipped to manage the increasing demand for domestic air travel, particularly from the Northern region, and improve connectivity between regional airports and the national hub.
The terminal’s reopening also aligns with India’s rapidly expanding civil aviation sector, which has witnessed double-digit growth in passenger numbers, reflecting both rising domestic travel demand and India’s emergence as a global aviation market.
Government Perspective and Future Plans
Civil Aviation Minister Naidu underscored that the airport expansion is part of a larger strategy to modernize India’s civil aviation infrastructure, including terminal upgrades, runway enhancements, and digitalization of passenger services. “The government is committed to developing airports as world-class transit hubs at an unprecedented pace,” Naidu said, highlighting Delhi airport’s growing role as a regional transfer hub.
He also pointed out that the airport’s improved infrastructure would facilitate the efficient management of passenger traffic, reduce congestion, and improve the overall travel experience, making IGIA a preferred choice for both domestic and international travelers.
Impact on Passengers and Airlines
Passengers traveling through T2 will benefit from reduced congestion, faster processing times, and improved comfort, thanks to modern amenities and streamlined check-in and boarding procedures. Airlines operating from T2, including Air India and IndiGo, will be able to schedule flights more efficiently, manage aircraft rotations better, and handle growing passenger volumes without compromising service quality.
The reopening of T2 also provides strategic operational flexibility, allowing DIAL to distribute flights more evenly across its terminals, which is expected to enhance airport capacity, reduce delays, and improve turnaround times for airlines.
Looking Ahead
The reopening of T2 marks a new chapter for Delhi airport, reinforcing its status as India’s busiest aviation hub and a gateway for Northern India. With the enhanced terminal, IGIA is now better prepared for future passenger growth, expected to increase steadily over the coming decade.
The government and airport authorities have emphasized that T2 is not just a physical expansion, but also a step toward digitalization, sustainability, and passenger-centric operations, reflecting India’s vision to emerge as a global aviation powerhouse.
As flight operations resume on October 26, Delhi airport is set to witness a new level of efficiency, capacity, and convenience, benefiting passengers, airlines, and the broader aviation ecosystem, while supporting India’s ambition to become one of the world’s largest civil aviation markets.
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