The Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) in Delhi is gearing up for a significant expansion that will increase its annual passenger handling capacity by nearly 20% by 2029–30, without dismantling Terminal 2 (T2), according to Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL) CEO Videh Kumar Jaipuriar.

Currently, IGIA manages around 10.5 crore passengers per year. DIAL plans to raise this figure to 12.5 crore through strategic expansions at Terminals 1 and 3, focusing on targeted infrastructure projects rather than immediately constructing a new terminal. The key elements of this expansion include the construction of a new Pier “E” at Terminal 3, easing congestion at Terminal 1, and adding additional aircraft parking stands at T3.

“The proposed Pier E at T3, which should be operational in 2–3 years, is expected to add around 1–1.2 crore passengers annually,” Jaipuriar explained at a recent aviation conference. “We are finalizing the master plan, which will determine whether the new pier will serve domestic or international flights, depending on traffic trends.”

Terminal 3 currently operates with four piers—two for domestic flights and two for international flights. This winter, one domestic pier will be converted to international use, temporarily leaving the terminal with three piers for international operations and one for domestic flights. The upcoming Pier E will provide flexibility, allowing DIAL to allocate it for domestic or international services as required.

Although the long-term master plan includes replacing the aging Terminal 2, which was built in 1986 and handles approximately 1.5 crore passengers, that project has been deferred. The recently refurbished T2, which reopened in October, will continue to operate “for the foreseeable future.” According to Jaipuriar, the construction of a successor terminal will be considered only when passenger numbers surpass a critical threshold. Airports typically begin the next phase of expansion when 80% of current capacity is reached.

DIAL projects that IGIA’s 12.5 crore capacity will be fully utilized by 2029–30, with the 10-crore passenger milestone likely to be crossed within three to four years. In 2024, the airport handled just under 8 crore passengers, indicating strong growth trends.

To manage increasing passenger flows, Delhi Airport has implemented a data-driven system known as the Airport Predictive Operation Centre (APOC). This system generates detailed passenger data in real-time and shares it with stakeholders, including airlines, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), and the Bureau of Immigration. APOC allows airport authorities to deploy staff efficiently across various touchpoints such as terminal entry, security checks, and check-in counters.

“With the help of APOC and the upgraded Runway 10, we are well-prepared for the upcoming winter rush,” Jaipuriar said. He added that, unless there is prolonged fog, significant flight disruptions are not expected this year.

This expansion plan reflects IGIA’s strategy of optimizing existing infrastructure before undertaking large-scale construction projects, ensuring that the airport can meet rising passenger demand while maintaining operational efficiency. The addition of Pier E, improvements at T1, and enhanced aircraft parking facilities will collectively boost capacity and improve passenger experience.

In summary, Delhi Airport is set to increase its annual handling capacity from 10.5 crore to 12.5 crore by 2030 through a series of targeted expansions and operational upgrades. This strategic approach allows the airport to accommodate growing traffic without immediately replacing T2, while predictive data systems like APOC ensure smooth operations and minimal disruptions during peak travel periods.