{"id":120791,"date":"2025-11-14T11:11:00","date_gmt":"2025-11-14T05:41:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/?p=120791"},"modified":"2025-11-14T05:35:39","modified_gmt":"2025-11-14T00:05:39","slug":"indias-busiest-airport-to-expand-to-around-160-destinations-by-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/2025\/11\/14\/indias-busiest-airport-to-expand-to-around-160-destinations-by-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"India’s Busiest Airport to Expand to Around 160 Destinations by 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

NEW DELHI-<\/strong> Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi (DEL)<\/a>, managed by Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL), is on track to expand its flight network to 159 destinations by 2026, strengthening its ambition to become India\u2019s premier global aviation hub.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Videh Kumar Jaipuriar, CEO of DIAL, confirmed in an interview with businessline<\/em><\/a> that the airport will add 7 new international and 3 new domestic routes, operated by a combination of Indian and international carriers, including Japan Airlines (JL)<\/a>, IndiGo (6E)<\/a>, and Aegean Airlines (A3)<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Indira
Photo: GMR Delhi International Airport<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Delhi Airport Destination Expansion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The new network expansion connects Delhi to key international hubs such as Manila (MNL), Krabi (KBV), Shanghai (PVG), Guangzhou (CAN), Manchester (MAN), Athens (ATH), and Tokyo Narita (NRT).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the domestic front, DIAL<\/a> will add Jamnagar (JGA), Jabalpur (JLR), and Pune (PNQ), reinforcing regional connectivity within India.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This route enhancement aims to consolidate Delhi\u2019s position as the key transfer gateway between eastern and western air corridors. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Transfer passengers currently account for 29% of the airport\u2019s total throughput, up from 22% two years ago, a 34% year-on-year rise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By FY26, DIAL expects this figure to exceed 30%, reflecting its growing significance in global transit operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Indira
Photo: GMR Delhi International Airport<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Infrastructure Expansion and Modernization<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

To support increased traffic, DIAL has completed its Phase 3A expansion, which tripled the International-to-International (I2I) transfer area capacity. This ensures readiness for higher passenger volumes from new long-haul routes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Simultaneously, DIAL is redeveloping Pier C of Terminal 3 (T3), transitioning it from domestic to international operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The project, set for completion by mid-January 2026, will boost international capacity by nearly 50%, a crucial milestone for accommodating new routes and transfer passengers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In partnership with the Indian government, DIAL will also participate in the Domestic-to-International (D2I) pilot project, starting with the Varanasi (VNS)\u2013Delhi (DEL)\u2013London (LHR) model.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Under this scheme, passengers will clear immigration at their origin airport, arriving at T3 as international travelers for seamless onward connections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"GMR
Photo: GMR Delhi International Airport<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Enhanced Passenger Experience and Connectivity<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

To improve efficiency, DIAL is launching a new airside baggage transfer system linking Terminals 1, 2, and 3, enabling automatic baggage movement and removing the need for manual transfers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additionally, shuttle bus frequencies have been optimized to every 10\u201312 minutes, enhancing inter-terminal connectivity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The upcoming Delhi Metro Gold Line will provide direct terminal access, further simplifying passenger movement across the airport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During the first month of the current winter schedule, passenger traffic surged 45% year-on-year, reflecting strong recovery and sustained demand in both domestic and international sectors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In FY25, Delhi Airport handled 79 million passengers, up from 77 million in FY24, demonstrating consistent growth momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Photo: Delhi IGI Airport.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Future Expansion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

With a current handling capacity of 105 million passengers annually, IGI Airport can expand to 110\u2013112 million through operational improvements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

DIAL\u2019s next master plan, now in its final stage, will be activated once traffic consistently exceeds the 100 million threshold, triggering the next expansion cycle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Delhi-NCR\u2019s overall air traffic is projected to maintain 8\u20139% annual growth, supported by the city\u2019s strategic location, robust infrastructure, and high connectivity potential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In cargo operations, IGI Airport manages approximately one million tonnes annually, with volumes rising after the reopening of China and stronger Indian exports under the Make in India initiative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

DIAL has submitted a proposal to establish a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) at the airport. The planned integrated logistics and cargo hub will streamline export-import processes, enhance operational efficiency, and position Delhi as a major regional air freight center in South Asia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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IndiGo Adds New Flights to This Asian City from Delhi<\/a><\/blockquote>