IGI's T3 to be revamped to accommodate more passengers
The Delhi International Airport Limited has begun expansion of Terminal 3 in an attempt to cope with the increasing numbers of passengers. The revamp includes increasing the number of immigration counters and redesigning security check counters. Passengers frequently complained of lack of space and increasing congestion at the airport. Officials did not clarify when the revamp would be completed.
India 3rd largest aviation market in domestic traffic
In March 2017, India became the 3rd largest aviation market in the world, recording domestic air passenger traffic of 100 million. India is now second only to the US (719 million) and China (436 million).
Increasing passenger and air-traffic at IGI airport
The IGI airport handled 55.6 million passengers in 2016, against just 30 million in 2011-12. In addition, daily flight movements have increased to 1185 flights per day in 2016, up from 1050 flights per day just a year before.
What are the expansion plans?
The number of immigration counters are to be increased to 160 from 130. The security check area where passengers put their hand luggage for screening, is set to be redesigned with longer baggage rollers and extra table space. The expansion seeks to ensure smooth flow of passenger traffic in the airport keeping in mind estimates for the next 20 years.
Expanding other terminals
The DIAL has decided to double the capacity of T1, which handles low-cost domestic carriers. A new terminal and a new runway is being planned at T4 as well. Authorities said the increasing number of operations in low-cost domestic airlines has reduced airfares and significantly increased domestic passenger traffic.
