NEW DELHI: There is a fresh buzz at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi as the newly constructed Terminal 1 began operations on Saturday. The terminal, which integrates both arrivals and departures into a single structure, handled 13 flights on its opening day, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the airport’s history.
Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) had earlier announced the transfer of 13 SpiceJet flights to the new T1 from other terminals. An official stated, “Starting from September 2, IndiGo is set to relocate 34 flights to the new terminal building, with most of these flights being shifted from the congested Terminal 2.”
The new T1 building offers more than twice the space of the previous terminal, which had separate sections for arrivals and departures. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the new T1 on March 10, but it remained non-operational until DIAL and other agencies completed necessary trials.
DIAL initiated the expansion of T1 in 2019 due to the terminal experiencing a significant increase in air traffic and passenger numbers, surpassing projections. The expansion aimed to prepare the airport for future growth, providing travelers with enhanced amenities and a streamlined experience.
New features introduced at the terminal include mobile check-in services, longer baggage reclaim carousels, an automated tray retrieval system, individual carrier systems, common usage self-service, aerobridges, check-in counters, and self-baggage drop kiosks. These upgrades are designed to simplify and expedite airport processes for travelers.
Additional amenities include expanded baggage reclaim carousels, multiple entry gates, a prayer room, a yoga area, a quiet zone, group seating, laptop and mobile charging stations, a self-medication room, baby care rooms, and smart washrooms, all of which aim to improve the traveler experience at the airport.
SpiceJet passengers will enter through Gate A on the ground floor, while IndiGo passengers will use entry gates 5 and 6 on the first floor. Adequate signage and road markings are in place to guide passengers from the dedicated arrivals area on the ground floor to the departures area.
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