New Delhi, Oct.25,2025:Delhi Airport Terminal 2 has entered a new era. On 25 October 2025, the revamped terminal at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) was inaugurated by K. Rammohan Naidu, India’s Civil Aviation Minister, marking the culmination of a months-long transformation of a forty-year-old terminal-
From the intervening night of October 25-26 the terminal is set to resume operations, equipped with a host of modern facilities and handling around 120 domestic flights daily. In this article, we explore how the Delhi Airport Terminal 2 upgrade matters — for travellers, airlines, and India’s ambition to build world-class aviation infrastructure — and detail the key features, operational shifts, strategic impact and the road ahead.
Why the Delhi Airport Terminal 2 Upgrade Matters
The renovation of Delhi Airport Terminal 2 is not just a facelift. It is a strategic step in India’s larger aviation push-
- The terminal, originally built by Airports Authority of India (AAI) roughly 40 years ago, was closed in April for major upgrade.
- IGI Airport handles roughly 50 % of Northern India’s passenger traffic and about 50,000 transfers per day.
- With the upgraded Terminal 2, the airport seeks to decongest operations, improve passenger experience, and strengthen its position as a preferred transit hub for both domestic and international markets.
- As Minister Naidu noted, this reflects India’s push to become a global civil aviation ecosystem under the leadership of Narendra Modi.
Therefore, the Delhi Airport Terminal 2 upgrade is a milestone in the Aviation sector’s transformation — and its importance goes far beyond the capital city.
Key Features of Delhi Airport Terminal 2
Self-Baggage Drop (SBD)
One of the headline features at Delhi Airport Terminal 2 is the introduction of a self-baggage drop facility. Passengers can now check in their own luggage via kiosks that print bag tags, scan them, and deposit bags on the conveyor belt — reducing queue times and streamlining check-in.
This is especially relevant in peak times, festival seasons or large transfer flows where reducing check-in waiting makes a real difference.
In practice: travellers will walk up, scan a boarding pass, tag their bag, and drop it — all without relying on staff assistance for the first step.
Six New Passenger Boarding Bridges
The renovation also includes six brand-new passenger boarding bridges (PBBs) with autonomous docking technology — the first time such infrastructure is being used at this scale in India.
These bridges are equipped with side-covering cushions, flush doors and adjustable platforms to ensure fast and safe boarding and disembarkation. The improved aircraft handling means quicker turnarounds and smoother flows.
From an airline operations standpoint, this improves aircraft utilisation and reduces delays linking to boarding bridge constraints.
Virtual Information Desk & Smart Signage
The terminal has incorporated a “virtual information desk” where travellers can access live flight information, gate navigation, airport facility maps, chat with virtual assistants, and generate WiFi coupons.
Additionally, high-resolution flight information display systems (FIDS) and dynamic way-finding signage improve passenger orientation and reduce confusion.
By combining technology and design, the terminal elevates the passenger experience beyond the basics.
DigiYatra and Biometric Entry
Another key modernisation: the implementation of the DigiYatra facial recognition system across all entry gates and security zones in Terminal 2.
This enables a seamless, paperless journey for passengers who register, allowing them to pass through checkpoints via facial scan rather than physical documents.
For frequent flyers and business travellers, this can significantly reduce time lost in traditional verification queues.
Modern Design, Skylights and Inclusive Accessibility
Beyond tech, the overhaul includes architectural and comfort enhancements: modern skylight ceilings that flood the space with natural light, improved flooring, contemporary interior design and enhanced accessibility features for passengers with reduced mobility (PRM).
The refurbished air-side and apron areas, upgraded HVAC and electrical systems, and focus on inclusive design reflect a holistic upgrade.
In short, Delhi Airport Terminal 2 isn’t just smarter — it’s brighter, friendlier and more inclusive.
Airline Operations Restructuring at Delhi Airport Terminal 2
The upgrade of Terminal 2 comes with a reshuffling of airline operations to optimise flows across the airport’s multiple terminals. Key changes include-
- IndiGo (6E) will shift all its flights numbered 2000-2999 to Terminal 2.
- Air India will transfer about 60 of its domestic flights from Terminal 3 (T3) to Terminal 2, and its domestic flights with 1XXX numbering will operate from T2.
- Air India Express will continue all domestic flights from Terminal 1.
- SpiceJet and Akasa Air will continue to operate from Terminal 1. As a result, starting 26 October 2025, Terminal 2 will handle around 120 domestic flights daily.
From a passenger’s perspective this means: check your flight number and terminal assignation carefully, as the shifts may affect check-in, boarding and transit logistics.
For Passengers, Airlines and India’s Aviation Ecosystem
Impact for Passengers
- Reduced queue times through self-service SBD, biometric gates and dynamic way-finding.
- Enhanced comfort and accessibility for all-age travellers, including those with mobility challenges.
- More organised flows and less confusion thanks to clearer terminal zoning for airlines.
- Better overall ambience — natural light, modern interiors — contributes to less travel fatigue.
Impact for Airlines & Airport Operations
- Better aircraft turnaround times due to advanced boarding bridges and streamlined ground infrastructure.
- Improved terminal allocation reduces congestion in other terminals, distributing load more evenly.
- The move strengthens IGI’s capacity to handle more flights and more passengers, which is critical as domestic air traffic in India continues to grow.
- Enables the airport to evolve from a national hub to a more efficient international transfer hub, furthering network connectivity.
Impact for India’s Aviation Infrastructure Ambitions
- Terminal 2’s upgrade marks a tangible milestone in India’s drive to build world class airports under the leadership of the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
- With IGI Airport’s annual capacity crossing 100 million passengers, the upgraded T2 helps unlock growth in a cost-effective way instead of building from scratch.
- The facility becomes a showcase of India-led airport modernization efforts: combining smart technology, sustainability, passenger-centric design and operational efficiency.
Challenges & Considerations Going Forward
Even as the upgrade delivers powerful benefits, several considerations remain-
- Passenger Awareness & Transition: With terminal allocations changing, passengers need to stay informed about their specific flight’s terminal. Airlines must communicate clearly to avoid confusion.
- Technology Adoption & Reliability: The success of features like DigiYatra, self-bag drop and virtual info desks depends on smooth operation and customer trust. Early teething issues could impact perception.
- High Traffic Periods: While the terminal is designed to handle ~120 domestic flights daily initially, peak holiday travel or surge demand may test infrastructure and service quality.
- Integration with Other Terminals: Terminal 2’s success also depends on how well it integrates with Terminals 1 and 3 — connectivity, transfer flows, signage, baggage transfer.
- Sustainability & Future Expansion: As traffic grows further, will further capacity or upgrades be needed? How will environmental and sustainability goals be balanced?
Delhi Airport Terminal 2 has taken a major leap forward — not merely in appearance, but in capability. With self-service baggage drop, biometric digital entry, new boarding bridges, modern design and an intelligent layout, the terminal positions IGI Airport not just for today’s domestic traffic but for tomorrow’s international ambitions.
For travellers, the promise is clear: smoother, smarter journeys. For airlines and airport operators, improved efficiency and throughput. For India’s aviation story, a tangible marker of progress.
