Delhi Airport News: IGI Capacity to Rise 18% to 12.5 Crore Passengers by 2029
Delhi Airport News
Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) is preparing for another major phase of expansion, with its annual passenger capacity expected to increase by around 18% by the end of 2029. The airport currently has a capacity of about 10.6 crore passengers per year, which is expected to rise to 12.5 crore passengers annually.
The expansion will involve an estimated investment of around Rs 3,000 crore. The development is part of the final phase of GMR Group’s first 30-year concession period for the airport, which ends in 2036.
One of the main changes will take place at Terminal 3 (T3). A new Pier E is planned at the terminal at an estimated cost of Rs 2,500 crore. The new pier will help increase both domestic and international passenger-handling capacity.
Domestic capacity across Terminals 1, 2 and 3 is expected to increase by around 15%, from 7.5 crore passengers per year to 8.6 crore. International capacity at T3 is projected to rise by around 26%, from 3.1 crore to 3.9 crore passengers annually.
The proposed Rs 3,500-crore air train project connecting Delhi airport’s terminals with Aerocity has been delayed. The project was earlier expected to be completed by 2029 but is now likely to be ready by December 2030.
The air train is planned to provide a dedicated transport link between the airport’s terminals and Aerocity, helping passengers move more easily across the airport complex.
The longer-term redevelopment of Delhi airport is expected to take place during the second 30-year concession period starting in 2036. This plan is likely to include the demolition of the existing Terminal 2, which dates back to 1986, and construction of a larger Terminal 4.
The expansion plans are also being considered alongside the development of Noida International Airport. Noida airport is expected to begin with a capacity of around 1.2 crore passengers per year and could increase to 3 crore by 2030, depending on traffic growth.
Delhi airport’s latest expansion is aimed at meeting future passenger demand while improving its terminal infrastructure and international capacity.
Ajeet Yadav is an aviation enthusiast covering airline news, airports, aircraft, and industry developments through well-researched and reliable reporting.
