Get your trip off to a flying start with Virgin Atlantic at Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport. i g i airport terminal 3 of delhi airport From check in details to airport facilities for departures and onward travel information for arrivals, don’t stress – we’ve got it covered.
The gateway to India is its capital city, New Delhi, home of Indira Gandhi International Airport. This aviation hub is the busiest in India and one of the busiest in all of Asia and is also among the top-15 busiest in the world. Many of the passengers who pass through the gates are foreign tourists flocking to the country to marvel over the Taj Mahal, the famous crescent-shaped Red Fort, the holy City of Varanasi, and more.
Delhi’s airport underwent a major upgrade after being leased to a private operator in 2006. The renovations included the addition of a 14,530-foot runway and a massive new integrated international terminal (Terminal 3), which can handle 40 million passengers annually and doubled the airport’s original capacity. The next phases of the expansion program is underway to further increase the airport’s capacity from 70 million to 100 million passengers per year (the size of Beijing Capital International Airport, the second largest in the world) by 2022.
A hospitality district called Aerocity has also been built adjacent to the airport.
Indira Gandhi International Airport won numerous awards for its expansion and has received additional praise for its environmental focus. This includes a Wings India Award, as well as a silver medal for sustainable waste management initiatives, in the Airports Council International’s Asia-Pacific Green Airports Recognition 2018.
Here is a list of top things to do at Delhi Airport while waiting for your flight.
1. Shopping
Shopping is the best time pass activity to enjoy at the Delhi Airport. Visit convenience stores, duty-free areas, and shops offering travel needs, perfumes, cosmetics, souvenirs and even books for readers. You can buy anything that you are interested in.
Shop at Delhi Duty Free
Delhi Duty Free is India’s largest duty-free retail space, where you can buy imported liquor, beauty and wellness products, chocolates and many more things duty-free. The store is present at Delhi Airport’s both departure and arrival terminals. If you want to save time browsing through the long list of items, you can check the website catalogue and pre-order items on their website before your travel and collect the package at the airport.
While shopping, don’t forget to check the lucrative BOGO deals and other discounts.
Buy imported chocolates for your loved ones
Chocolates are one of the best souvenirs you can bring back for your loved ones. The Delhi airport has many chocolate stores selling international brands from Turkey, France, the Middle east, etc. Lindt Lindor Tube Milk 400G, Toblerone, Harrison Italian Truffles and Mars are a few of the favorites that I buy from the airport. If you’re into liquor chocolates, Anthony Berg is what I recommend buying.
2. Chill Out in the Lounge
A lounge is the perfect place for you to enjoy the delectable food, fancy drinks, free Wi-Fi and of course, relaxation at the same time. There are 5 lounges on Delhi Airport that offers a high level of comfort, convenience, and services to the guests. You can move to any of them to spend your waiting time for the flight. Some lounges offer spa facility, shower area, and even nap rooms.
There are plenty of lounges at the airport. These lounges have tie-ups with most Credit Card companies that can help you obtain access at a low cost of INR 2 or INR 25. Alternatively, you can pay INR 2000 to get access and enjoy buffet meals, relax on a couch or sleep inside a cabin if you have a long layover.
Wishing for a one-stop shop that offers food, drink, WiFi, and a quiet environment?
Look no further than an airport lounge! Many lounges here offer access to any traveller, no matter your airline or flight class – which means you can fly Economy Class and pay to enter. Simply pre-book your visit online or use your lounge membership program – some locations even offer private day rooms and showers.
3. Finish any Pending Work
If you are traveling for business purpose, then what can better than utilizing this time to brush up some important tasks? Free Wi-Fi is accessible at the airport; use that to complete your pending work.
4. Take Spa & Feel Refresh
Check-in to the Heaven on Earth i.e., Spa Express that is located at Terminal ID or T3. You can feel relieved here while enjoying the spa services. Here you will forget all the worries of life for a specific time and will feel utmost relaxed.
Also, you can take a nap at the airport for few hours. Sam’s Snooze at My Space, Holiday Inn Express or In-transit sleeping pods at Terminal 3 of Delhi Airport offer sleeping area to the travelers.
Apart from this, if your flights to Delhi is too late and you have enough time to spend then head to tourist places near Delhi Airport for a wonderful time.
5. Shop books at half price at WHSmith
If you are an avid reader, head to WHSmith to explore their vast collection of books, magazines, encyclopedias and more at a half price. You can also check their confectionery section to grab great deals on chocolates and other items. I usually look out for travel guides for the city I’m travelling to that turns out to be an incredible company for my flight.
6. Rejuvenate your body and mind at Yoga Zone
If you’re a fitness enthusiast looking for a spot to stretch a muscle or two, Yoga Zone is your place. It’s a cosy and well-hidden space with spare mats that you can use for your Yoga or a simple stretch. I’m definitely going to make use of this space during a long haul flight. How about you?
7. Eat & Drink
Who doesn’t like eating while or before traveling? Whether you are going nearby or a faraway place, enjoying delicious food offers you a lot of pleasure and a kind of comfort. So, nothing could be better than trying luscious food at Delhi Airport. Cafe Delights, Grid Bar, Connexions and Street Food by Punjab Grill are some of the best options for casual dining at the airport.
Choose from dozens of restaurants, cafes, and bars for a meal to start your layover.
The most variety is located in the newly built Terminal 3, but you won’t hurt for options in the other 2 igi airport terminal 3. Choose from a range of Indian cuisine, plus Chinese, French, and Italian options. Sample traditional chai at one of several Indian tea cafes, or opt for Western chains like Starbucks, Subway, McDonald’s, KFC.
8. Experience the role of a pilot
Yes, you heard it right, you can experience the role of a pilot at the airport. Relax! No one is going to tell you to fly the real airplane. The Cockpit flight simulator available at the airport offers you the chance to fly your own Boeing 737. You don’t have to do much to get the chance. Just sign up for a 15- or 30-minutes option and experience what the real cockpit really feels like. The simulator is located in Terminal 3’s International Departure and it is recommended to make a reservation.
Know Before You Go Airport
Delhi airport has three terminals. Do note that some domestic flights have been moved to igi airport terminal 3 to facilitate the current airport expansion works.
- Terminal 1 (domestic) — divided into two buildings (1C for arrivals and 1D for departures) within walking distance of each other.
- Terminal 2 (domestic) — flights of budget carriers IndiGo and SpiceJet can be found here.
- Terminal 3 (international) — all international airlines.
It’s possible to walk between Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 in under 5 minutes. Transferring between Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 requires commuting on National Highway 8, so it’s necessary to take either the free shuttle bus or a cab. Allow about 45 minutes to an hour for the transfer.
Under the expansion works, Terminal 2 is being revamped to increase its passenger handling capabilities, and Terminals 1C and 1D are being merged. However, The international transfer area in Terminal 3 is also being upgraded, along with the baggage handling system. Other improvements include the construction of a flyover at Aerocity Metro Station junction to reduce the travel time from Terminal 1 to Terminal 3, and the addition of a fourth runway.
Indira Gandhi International Airport Parking
There’s a multi-level car park across from terminal 3 of delhi airport, plus ground level car parking at terminals 1 and 2. Expect to pay 100 rupees (about $1.40 US) for up to 30 minutes, 150 rupees for an hour, 230 rupees for two hours, 100 rupees for each subsequent hour, and 500 rupees for the whole day. The rate is the same for parking at both domestic terminals. The igi airport terminal 3 parking lot has payment booths in the lift lobby area for a seamless exit, whereas you’ll need to pay at the exit at terminals 1 and 2.
In addition, a Park N Fly facility is available for longer-term stays. Booking online can yield discounted rates.
Driving Directions
National Highway 8 runs straight past the airport, and Sardar Patel Marg connects it to the city.
Public Transportation and Taxis
- The air-conditioned Airport Metro Express Line (Orange Line) provides a convenient and inexpensive way of reaching the city center. It goes straight from the airport to New Delhi Metro Station (opposite New Delhi Railway Station on the Ajmeri Gate side). There are two stations in the vicinity of the airport: igi airport terminal 3 and Aerocity. Terminal 2 has access to the station at Terminal 3 as well.
- The Delhi Metro train is now also connected to domestic Terminal 1 with a station on the Magenta Line. This line is NOT part of the Delhi Metro Airport Express though, and it doesn’t have the same facilities. In addition, baggage limits apply. People who are staying in South Delhi may find this train line useful. Key stations are Vasant Vihar, R.K. Puram, Hauz Khas, Panchsheel Park and Greater Kailash.
- The state-owned Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC)—the public bus system—runs a special air-conditioned IGI Airport Bus service between Terminal 3 and central parts of Delhi (Connaught Place, New Delhi Railway Station, and Kashmere Gate Interstate Bus Terminal) every 30 minutes. Fares for this bus depend on the distance traveled, but the minimum is 27 rupees, and the maximum is 106. Keep in mind that Terminal 3 buses arrive and depart from a staging area that’s opposite Centaur Hotel.
- Taxis provide a more comfortable option, but they come at a higher price. So, you can expect to pay around 400-500 rupees to the city center. App-based cabs such as Uber and Ola are popular, and usually cost less than prepaid taxis.
- Alternatively, most hotels will arrange a car for you. This is the most expensive option and will cost around 1,000 rupees upwards, depending on the hotel.
Where to Eat and Drink
- Terminal 3 of delhi airport has plenty of variety in the culinary sector, ranging from authentic Indian eateries to Western favorites. There’s a McDonald’s, KFC, Pizza Hut, and Subway if you’re hunting for something familiar. So, if you’re more adventurous, try the Chaat (traditional street food) at Punjab Grill, the kebabs and chutney at Ile Bar, or the curry at Café Delhi Heights, all in Terminal 1 Departures. Buddy Bar is the perfect place to grab a drink at Terminal 1 Arrivals.
- The food court at Terminal 3 International Departures features Dilli Street (New Delhi-style Street food), Curry Kitchen, and Punjabi Kulfi. Terminal 3 Domestic Departures has Grid Bar (a watering hole and smoking lounge) and Vaango (authentic South Indian to-go).
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Where to Shop
- Firstly Fashion occupies perhaps a bigger space than food does at the airport. You’ll find the likes of Lacoste, Tommy Hilfiger, and Swarovski in Terminal 3 Domestic Departures and Hugo Boss, Coach, Armani, Michael Kors, and more in International Departures.
- Terminals 1 and 2, on the other hand, have only standard airport offerings, not much in the way of high-end boutiques.
How to Spend Your Layover
- The Holiday Inn Express New Delhi Airport Transit Hotel is located within Terminal 3. After that You can also choose from a wide range of hotels in the Aerocity hospitality district near the airport. igi airport terminal 3 This district also has some outstanding bars and restaurants.
- For a quick nap away from the public waiting areas, opt for a snooze in one of the in-transit sleeping pods in terminal 3 of delhi airport. These nifty little capsules can be reserved hourly.
- Elevate your layover with a trip to Delhi Airport’s very own flight simulator, The Cockpit. Located in Terminal 3 International Departures, this virtual reality video game features more than 24,000 airfields to choose from, so you’re guaranteed to never get bored.
Also Read: Things to Know About New Delhi Terminal 2 IGI Airport Before You go
Airport Lounges
- ITC Green Lounge in Terminal 3 International Departures uses eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient equipment, and follows sustainably responsible practices.
- Secondly Passengers can pay to use the Plaza Premium Lounges in Terminal 1 and 3.
- There’s an American Express Platinum Lounge in Terminal 1 Departures.
- Air India has its own Maharaja Lounge for business class passengers.
Wi-Fi and Charging Stations
Free Wi-Fi is available via the Tata Docomo Wi-Fi network. However, you must have an Indian cell phone number to use it. As it can only be access via a serial number and PIN that’s sent through SMS text messaging. Similarly Mobile charging stations can be found throughout the airport. Some of them, like the ones at the food court in Terminal 3. I g i airport terminal 3 allow you to lock your phone up with a safe code and come back for it once it’s been charged.
Indira Gandhi International Airport Tips and Tidbits
- igi airport terminal 3 During winter, the airport is often affected by fog, which is worst in the mornings and evenings. Because Anyone traveling during this time should be prepare for flight delays and cancellations.
- You can store your luggage at the airport. So, there’s a storage facility in the multi-level car park across from igi airport terminal 3.
- The airport has two spas for passengers in need of pampering. Igi airport terminal 3 So Heaven on Earth Spa is located at Terminal 1 Departures. And O2 Spa has outlets at Terminal 2 International and Domestic Departures.
