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Indira Gandhi International Airport (IATA: DEL), named after former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, is India's busiest airport, located in Palam, South West Delhi. It handles over 72 million passengers a year across three terminals T1, T2 and T3 and is operated by Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), a GMR Group-led public-private partnership. Terminal 3 handles most international flights; Terminals 1 and 2 primarily serve domestic operations, though terminal assignments do shift periodically, so it's worth confirming with your airline before travel.
Quick facts
- Airport code: DEL
- Named after: Indira Gandhi, former Prime Minister of India
- Location: Palam, South West Delhi — ~16 km from Connaught Place
- Operator: Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), GMR Group-led
- Terminals: 3 (T1, T2, T3)
- Annual passengers: 72+ million (among the world's busiest airports)
- Inter-terminal transfer: Free shuttle bus, roughly every 15–20 minutes, 24 hours
- Security: DigiYatra facial-recognition entry available at all terminals
Which terminal do I need?
Delhi Airport's three terminals serve different flights, and getting this wrong is one of the most common airport-day mistakes.
Terminal
Typically serves
Notes
Terminal 1 (T1)
Domestic low-cost carriers (IndiGo, SpiceJet, Akasa Air)
Compact, expanded in recent years
Terminal 2 (T2)
A share of domestic operations
Terminal assignments here have changed periodically during ongoing renovation work — always confirm current status with your airline or DIAL directly before travel
Terminal 3 (T3)
Most international flights, plus a portion of domestic routes
Largest terminal, most amenities, primary international hub
Always check your exact terminal on your boarding pass or airline app. IndiGo and Air India in particular have shifted flights between terminals in recent periods, and relying on memory from a past trip can send you to the wrong building.
Getting between terminals
If you're connecting between an international and domestic flight, you'll likely need to move between terminals. Delhi Airport runs a free shuttle bus between T1, T2 and T3, roughly every 15–20 minutes, 24 hours a day. Build in extra time for this transfer, particularly with checked luggage it is not instantaneous, and security re-screening may be required depending on your itinerary.
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Getting to and from the airport
By metro: The Airport Express Line connects Terminal 3 to New Delhi Railway Station in around 20 minutes the fastest way into central Delhi without traffic risk.
By taxi/cab: Prepaid counters are available in arrivals at each terminal; app-based cabs (Uber/Ola) have designated pickup zones.
By hotel transfer: Many hotels near the airport offer transfers on request useful for late-night arrivals or early departures when navigating an unfamiliar city adds stress.
DigiYatra: A facial-recognition entry system is live across all three terminals, cutting security time by roughly 25–30% for enrolled passengers worth setting up before your trip if you fly through Delhi regularly.
Where to stay near Indira Gandhi International Airport
Where you stay near the airport depends heavily on why you're staying a short layover, a business trip, or a longer visit all call for different areas.
Inside Aerocity (the airport hospitality district)
Closest option, 5–10 minutes from Terminal 3. Best for short layovers, very early departures, or late arrivals where minimising transfer time matters most.
Mahipalpur
A short drive from the airport, generally the most budget-friendly area nearby.
Vasant Kunj (South Delhi)
About 6–7 km, 15–20 minutes from the airport South Delhi's closest residential neighbourhood to IGI, closer than even Connaught Place. This area suits travellers who want a quieter, greener setting with more space, particularly for stays of a night or more, business trips with some downtime, or families. The Grand New Delhi, in Vasant Kunj, is one option in this area, offering larger rooms and full dining, spa and event facilities compared to the more compact, transit-focused hotels directly inside Aerocity.
Choosing between them: for a layover under four hours, staying as close to your terminal as possible makes sense. For anything longer, the extra 10–15 minutes to Vasant Kunj typically buys more space and a quieter stay.
*(For a detailed comparison of hotels by tier and area, see our [complete Aerocity guide] or [Terminal 3-specific guide]
A brief history of Indira Gandhi International Airport
The airport traces back to Delhi's original Palam airfield and was renamed in honour of Indira Gandhi, India's former Prime Minister. It has since grown into one of the world's busiest airports by passenger volume, with Terminal 3 opened ahead of the 2010 Commonwealth Games becoming its primary international gateway. Terminal 2, originally built for the same event, has been through periods of closure, renovation and reopening as the airport's infrastructure has expanded to keep pace with growing passenger numbers. A long-term master plan reportedly includes further terminal capacity expansion and improved inter-terminal connectivity in the coming years.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Where is Indira Gandhi International Airport located?
It's located in Palam, South West Delhi, about 16 km from Connaught Place and roughly 6–7 km from Vasant Kunj, South Delhi's closest residential neighbourhood to the airport.
2. How many terminals does Indira Gandhi International Airport have?
Three Terminal 1, Terminal 2 and Terminal 3. Terminal 3 handles most international flights; Terminals 1 and 2 primarily serve domestic operations, though specific airline assignments can change, so confirm before travel.
3. How do I get between terminals at Indira Gandhi International Airport?
A free shuttle bus runs between T1, T2 and T3 roughly every 15–20 minutes, 24 hours a day.
4. Why is it called Indira Gandhi International Airport?
The airport is named after Indira Gandhi, a former Prime Minister of India.
5. Where can I find a hotel near Indira Gandhi International Airport?
Options range from hotels inside Aerocity (5–10 minutes from Terminal 3, best for short layovers) to areas like Mahipalpur (budget-focused) and Vasant Kunj in South Delhi (6–7 km, 15–20 minutes, offering more space and a quieter setting for longer stays).
6. How busy is Indira Gandhi International Airport?
It handles over 72 million passengers a year, making it one of the world's busiest airports and India's primary international gateway.
7. What is DigiYatra and is it available at Delhi Airport?
DigiYatra is a facial-recognition entry system available at all three terminals, which can reduce security screening time by roughly 25–30% for enrolled passengers.
