Delhi Airport Terminals
All the information featured on this page was compiled and written by David Enrich, a renowned expert in aviation and airport guides since 1999.
Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) – Terminal 3
Terminal 3 at Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi is the airport’s largest and most modern terminal, serving most international flights and many domestic full-service airlines. It is one of the largest airport terminals in the world and a major hub for travel in South Asia. The facility was designed to handle tens of millions of passengers annually and offers extensive shopping, dining, lounges, and passenger services that make it a comfortable place to spend time before a flight.
If you are flying internationally from Delhi, you will most likely depart from Terminal 3, so arriving early will allow time to explore its large selection of shops and restaurants.
History and Origins of Terminal 3
Terminal 3 was built as part of a major modernization program for Delhi Airport and officially opened on 3 July 2010, just before the Commonwealth Games hosted in the city.
The project was completed in only a few years and cost billions of dollars, making it one of the most ambitious airport developments in India. The terminal covers about 5.4 million square feet and can handle more than 30–40 million passengers per year, helping Delhi become one of Asia’s busiest aviation hubs.
The building was designed by international architecture firm HOK and includes modern passenger systems, large check-in halls, automated baggage handling, and dozens of jet bridges.
Look for the large “Mudra Wall” sculpture in the departures hall, a famous art installation featuring hand gestures from Indian classical dance.
Terminal Layout and Levels
Terminal 3 is a multi-level terminal with arrivals and departures separated by floors, allowing smoother passenger flows.
Main areas include:
Arrivals level
- Immigration counters
- Baggage claim area with multiple carousels
- Customs control
- Transport services such as taxi and metro connections
Departures level
- Large check-in hall with 168 check-in counters
- Security screening areas
- Duty Free and shopping zone
- Boarding gates for domestic and international flights
Gates
- Gates 1–26: International departures
- Gates 27–62: Domestic flights
Security queues can be long during peak hours (evening international departures), so arriving 3 hours before departure is recommended.
Shops at Terminal 3
The terminal has a wide range of shopping options.
Luxury & Fashion
- International brands
- Indian designer stores
- Watches, jewelry, and accessories
Electronics
- Travel gadgets
- Mobile accessories
- Headphones and chargers
Souvenirs & Gifts
- Indian handicrafts
- Silk scarves and textiles
- Tea, spices, and traditional gifts
Travel Essentials
- Pharmacies
- Bookstores
- Convenience stores
If you want authentic Indian souvenirs such as handicrafts or teas, airport stores offer fixed prices and authentic products.
Duty Free
Delhi Airport’s Duty Free area is one of the largest in India and is located after security in the international departures area.
Products typically include:
- Liquor and wine
- Perfumes and cosmetics
- Chocolates and sweets
- Tobacco products
- Luxury goods and fashion items
Many travelers purchase Indian whisky or tea here as popular souvenirs.
Restaurants and Cafés
Terminal 3 offers a wide variety of dining options ranging from international chains to traditional Indian cuisine.
Popular restaurants and cafés
Indian cuisine
- Restaurants serving curry dishes, biryani, and vegetarian meals
Fast food
- Burgers, sandwiches, and pizza
Coffee shops
- International café chains offering coffee, pastries, and snacks
Food courts
- Large dining areas with multiple cuisines
Typical operating hours are 24 hours for major outlets, while smaller cafés may operate 05:00–23:00 depending on flight schedules.
If you want to try authentic Indian food before leaving the country, look for restaurants serving North Indian thali or biryani dishes in the departures food court.
Best-Rated Restaurants and Bars (Traveler Tips)
Some of the best-rated places inside the terminal are located mainly in the security hold area of departures.
Tip recommendations:
- Food court restaurants: good variety and fast service for passengers with limited time.
- Coffee shops near the gates: ideal for quick breakfasts or snacks.
- Premium lounges: often provide buffet meals and drinks included with access.
Many lounges and restaurants serve Indian craft beer and cocktails, which are popular with travelers waiting for evening flights.
VIP Lounges
Terminal 3 has several premium lounges available for business-class passengers or travelers with lounge access programs.
Major lounges
Encalm Lounge
- Located in the departures area
- Offers buffet dining, showers, Wi-Fi, and comfortable seating
Plaza Premium Lounge
- Available for domestic and international passengers
- Provides hot meals, showers, workstations, and drinks
Air India Maharaja Lounge
- Premium lounge for Air India business and first-class passengers
f you have a long layover, lounge access is often worth it since it includes food, showers, and quiet seating areas.
Facilities and Passenger Services
Terminal 3 offers many passenger facilities.
Connectivity
- Free high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the terminal
Banking
- ATMs and currency exchange counters
Luggage services
- Baggage wrapping
- Luggage storage
Rest and relaxation
- Sleeping pods for transit passengers near the terminal parking building
Sleeping pods are useful for long layovers of 6 hours or more.
Services for Families and Passengers with Reduced Mobility
Delhi Airport provides several services designed for families and passengers needing assistance.
These include:
- Baby care rooms
- Free strollers
- Accessible restrooms
- Priority security lanes
- Assistance staff and buggy services to gates
If traveling with children, ask about the Family@DEL service, which offers dedicated check-in counters and priority lanes.
Security and Baggage Control
Passengers must pass through several security procedures before boarding.
Typical process:
-
Check-in and baggage drop
-
Security screening
-
Immigration for international flights
-
Boarding gate area
The terminal uses modern baggage handling systems and security screening equipment to process luggage quickly.
Liquids in carry-on baggage should follow international aviation rules (usually under 100 ml per container).
Lost and Found
If you lose an item inside the airport terminal, contact the Lost Property Office.
Typical procedure:
- Report the lost item at the airport help desk or online
- Provide flight details and description of the item
- Items are stored for a limited period before disposal
If the item was lost on board the aircraft, contact the airline directly.
Check-in and Boarding Information
Passengers should follow these guidelines:
Check-in times
- International flights: 3 hours before departure
- Domestic flights: 2 hours before departure
Options include:
- Traditional check-in counters
- Self-service kiosks
- Online or mobile check-in
After security, passengers proceed to their assigned boarding gate.
Boarding gates can be far apart in this large terminal, so allow 10–15 minutes walking time.
Popular Flights from Delhi Airport
Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 at Delhi Airport (DEL)
Although Terminal 3 is the largest and most modern facility at Indira Gandhi International Airport, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 also play an important role in handling domestic traffic and supporting the airport’s high passenger volume. Each terminal serves different types of airlines and offers its own set of passenger services.
Terminal 1
Terminal 1 (T1) mainly handles domestic flights operated by low-cost carriers. Airlines such as IndiGo and SpiceJet operate many of their domestic routes from this terminal.
Originally opened in the 1990s, Terminal 1 has undergone several renovations and expansions to increase its capacity and improve passenger facilities. Today it is a modernized domestic terminal designed to handle millions of passengers per year.
Terminal layout
Terminal 1 has separate areas for departures and arrivals, including:
- Check-in counters and self-service kiosks
- Security screening areas
- Boarding gates for domestic flights
- Baggage claim carousels
- Transport connections outside the arrivals area
Shops and restaurants
Passengers will find a selection of services including:
Retail stores
- Convenience stores
- Travel accessories
- Souvenir shops
Food and beverage outlets
- Fast food restaurants
- Cafés and coffee chains
- Snack bars and quick meals
Most restaurants operate according to flight schedules, typically from early morning until late evening.
Domestic flights in India can depart very early in the morning, so Terminal 1 usually becomes busy between 05:00 and 09:00.
Terminal 2
Terminal 2 (T2) serves as an additional domestic terminal and helps manage passenger overflow from Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. It was originally opened in 1986 but was renovated and reopened in 2017 to accommodate growing passenger traffic.
The terminal is located between Terminal 1 and Terminal 3, making it relatively easy to reach by road or airport shuttle bus.
Terminal features
Terminal 2 provides basic but efficient passenger services including:
- Check-in counters and baggage drop
- Security screening
- Boarding gates for domestic flights
- Baggage claim area
Although smaller than Terminal 3, it still offers a comfortable experience with modern facilities.
Shops and food outlets
Passengers can find several options for shopping and dining:
Retail
- Bookstores and convenience shops
- Travel essentials
Food
- Cafés
- Quick-service restaurants
- Small food courts offering Indian and international snacks
Terminal 2 is generally less crowded than Terminal 3, which can make security and boarding processes faster during busy travel periods.
Transfers Between Terminals
Terminals 1, 2, and 3 are located within the same airport complex but are not connected by internal walkways.
Passengers transferring between terminals can use:
- Free inter-terminal shuttle buses
- Taxis or ride-hailing services
- Airport road connections
The shuttle bus runs approximately every 20 minutes between Terminal 1 and Terminal 3, with Terminal 2 located between them.
f you have a connecting flight departing from another terminal, allow at least 60–90 minutes for the transfer, especially during peak traffic hours.