Delhi Airport’s Terminal 2 Gets a Facelift—Ready to Board from October 26

In a major boost to India’s aviation infrastructure ahead of the busy winter travel season, GMR Airports has announced that Terminal 2 (T2) of Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport in Delhi will resume operations from October 26, 2025. The reopening follows months of refurbishment and strategic upgrades aimed at enhancing passenger experience and operational efficiency at the country’s busiest airport.

 

This move comes at a critical time, as Delhi Airport braces for a surge in domestic and international traffic during the festive and fog-prone winter months. The reopening of T2 is expected to ease congestion across terminals and restore full runway capacity, especially with Runway 10 also set to become operational by September 16.

 

Why Terminal 2 Matters

Terminal 2, which has a passenger handling capacity of 15 million annually, has long served as a vital node in Delhi Airport’s multi-terminal ecosystem. While Terminal 1 caters primarily to low-cost domestic carriers and Terminal 3 handles international and full-service domestic flights, T2 has historically acted as a buffer terminal during peak traffic periods.

 

The terminal was temporarily closed earlier this year to undergo extensive structural and aesthetic upgrades, including:

Although the upgrades won’t increase T2’s capacity, they are expected to significantly improve passenger comfort and streamline boarding and deplaning processes.

 

Strategic Timing for Reopening

The timing of the reopening is no coincidence. Delhi Airport typically experiences a spike in flight delays and cancellations during winter due to dense fog and low visibility. To mitigate these disruptions, Runway 10 has been upgraded to CAT IIIB standards, allowing for safe landings even in extreme weather conditions.

 

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is expected to complete its final audit of Runway 10 by mid-September, after which it will be cleared for operations. With both the runway and T2 back in action, Delhi Airport will be operating at full runway and terminal capacity—crucial for maintaining on-time performance and reducing passenger wait times.

 

Operational Impact

Delhi Airport, operated by Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL) under the GMR Group, handles approximately 1,450 flight movements daily. Since the closure of Runway 10 and T2 in mid-June, nearly 200 flights per day have been affected, with 114 flights cancelled and 86 rescheduled to non-peak hours.

 

The reopening of T2 is expected to:

DIAL CEO Videh Kumar Jaipuriar emphasized that the upgrades are part of a broader strategy to future-proof Delhi Airport’s infrastructure and maintain its status as a global aviation hub.

 

Broader Implications for Indian Aviation

India’s aviation sector is undergoing rapid transformation, with passenger traffic projected to double over the next decade. Infrastructure upgrades like those at IGI Airport are essential to accommodate this growth and ensure safety, comfort, and efficiency.

 

The reopening of T2 also aligns with the government’s push for regional connectivity and airport modernization, as outlined in the UDAN scheme and National Civil Aviation Policy. With GMR Airports playing a pivotal role in managing key airports across India, including Hyderabad and Goa, the successful execution of this project could serve as a blueprint for similar upgrades nationwide.

 

What to Expect Next

Passengers flying from Delhi after October 26 should check their airline communications carefully, as some domestic carriers may shift operations to T2. The terminal is expected to host select domestic flights initially, with a phased ramp-up based on traffic patterns and operational feedback.

 

Travelers can look forward to:

As Delhi Airport gears up for the winter rush, the reopening of Terminal 2 marks a significant milestone in its journey toward becoming a world-class aviation gateway.

 

Sources: Hindustan Times, India TV News, Live From A Lounge