From July, most passenger transfers at Indira Gandhi International Airport between Terminals 1, 2, and 3 will shift to airside movement, reducing reliance on cityside transfers. This upgrade is part of Delhi airport's shift toward hub-and-spoke operations, aligning it with global hubs like Dubai, Singapore, New York JFK, and Heathrow.
Airside Buses for Inter-Terminal Movement
Airside buses will be deployed by DIAL to facilitate T1–T3 and T1–T2 transfers, enabling smoother international-to-domestic, domestic-to-international, and domestic-to-domestic connections. The change will replace current DTC bus-based transfers, especially T3/T2 to T1, which often face delays due to city traffic and are a major inconvenience for connecting passengers.
Global Benchmarks
Dubai International Airport operates as one of the world’s busiest hubs, enabling efficient hub-and-spoke transfers with integrated terminal connectivity and frequent shuttle services. Kuala Lumpur International Airport uses the KLIA Ekspres Air Train system to provide fast, airside-linked connectivity between terminals and the city transport network. Zurich Airport offers smooth inter-terminal transfers with well-coordinated airside buses and short walking distances within a compact terminal layout. New York JFK Airport is a major global hub offering seamless domestic and international connectivity through multiple terminals and airside transport systems.
Implementation Timeline
The rollout is expected by late June or early July after approval from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS). Only T2–T3 transfers will still happen via cityside with a short walking route, while all major inter-terminal connections move inside the airport’s restricted operational zone.
