Delhi's IGI Airport to launch baggage transfer between 3 terminals
Indira Gandhi International Airport (Delhi) is taking strides toward becoming India's first hub airport by developing an internal baggage transfer system between its three terminals. This will allow passengers to switch terminals without having to reclaim their luggage and check in again. Authorities are also considering quicker immigration procedures to facilitate smooth transitions between domestic and international flights, alongside plans for air trains and subways between terminals to further enhance connectivity.
Trials for internal baggage transfers are in progress
An anonymous official shared with the Hindustan Times that trials for the internal baggage transfer system are underway and will be finalized soon. For connecting flights with layovers, an early baggage store system is also being developed. The decision to transform IGI into a hub airport came after discussions between Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), global consultancy firm Arthur D Little, and the central government.
Faster immigration process and route planning
The official also mentioned that a quicker immigration process is necessary for transferring passengers, prompting the civil aviation ministry to collaborate with tourism, finance, external affairs, and home ministries to devise a feasible plan with assigned responsibilities. Authorities are also discussing crucial slots and routes at the airport. Another government official emphasized the importance of planning lucrative routes for a successful hub airport and assured that slots at Delhi will be available to accommodate increasing traffic.
Ensuring smooth connectivity and hassle-free movement
Industry experts point out that the main challenge for Delhi Airport's transformation into a hub lies in ensuring better connectivity and hassle-free movement. One of the most difficult jobs is establishing seamless internal connectivity, which includes internal baggage transfer and passenger connectivity from the airport's airside, as an anonymous industry expert pointed out to HT. Designing international-to-international, domestic-to-domestic, and domestic-to-international connectivity in a way that minimizes transfer time will be a challenge given the number of authorities involved.
Recent developments that took place at Delhi's IGI Airport
In December 2023, reports stated that Delhi's IGI Airport is slated to establish a multimodal transportation hub close to Aerocity. Bus, metro, and air services will all be seamlessly integrated through this cutting-edge hub. The hub is intended to serve travelers from nearby states like Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. On July 14 last year, India's first Elevated Cross Taxiway (ECT) opened at this stunning airport, revolutionizing both domestic and international travelers' travel experiences.
