New Delhi Indira Gandhi Intl Airport (DEL) Flights & Flight Status

Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) is the main airport serving India’s capital region, and one of the primary entry points for foreign travellers into India. Whether you’re starting or ending your trip to India here, or simply transiting through on a domestic itinerary, continue reading to make your time at the airport much smoother.

How to get to and from DEL and Delhi

DEL sits around 19 km from the central districts of Delhi, including the Indian capital of New Delhi. The airport is notable for being the only major international airport in India to have a high-speed rail link to the city it serves, though some travellers will still prefer to get to or from the airport via private car.

The Delhi Metro Orange Line, also known as the Airport Express, directly connects IGI Airport Station to New Delhi Station in just 15 minutes, zooming along at speeds of up to 120 km/h en route as it runs every 10 minutes. Although I was personally sceptical the first time I used it, given years of mixed experiences riding Indian trains, I’ve found it to be a reliable way of traveling between the airport and city centre.

Notably, the Orange Line does not operate 24 hours. Trains start running at 4:45 am and stop at 11:30 pm. If you’re boarding one of the many long-haul flights that depart DEL in the early hours of morning, it may make more sense to get a taxi or Uber to the airport.

If you do travel between DEL and Delhi’s city centre via private car, you should expect traffic, even in the middle of the night. In my experience, it’s not uncommon for the ride to require 45–60 minutes one-way, due to the city’s unpredictable congestion.

Another potential pitfall of taxis between Delhi and DEL airport? Scams, which will come as no surprise to you if you’ve travelled in India at all. To avoid circuitous routings, fake meters or bogus charges, I recommend using Uber, or even arranging a transfer in advance with your hotel in Delhi.

Navigating security lines at DEL

As is the case at other major airports in India, authorities at DEL run a tight security operation, which is much more extensive than what many American and European travellers experience in their home countries.

To start with, you’ll need to pass a security checkpoint before you’re even able to access the check-in counters, with a metal detector for passengers and an X-ray machine for bags. While this seemed strange to me the first time I visited India, I no longer feel stressed out by it now that I know to expect it.

Once you pass this initial security screening and complete any check-in procedures you weren’t able to do online, including bag drop, you’ll proceed to a security screening comparable to what you’d experience at Canadian airports. Here, too, the process is more stringent.

Don’t be surprised if authorities pull you or your belongings aside for additional screening, including physical pat-downs, which are common here. While this can seem intrusive, the good news is that security lines are gender-segregated. I’ve noticed this seems to provide relief to female passengers.

If you’re travelling internationally, you’ll need to complete passport control procedures prior to accessing the main security lines. DEL operates opposite from how the system operates at most other airports abroad where passport checks upon exit are required, as security usually comes before immigration. Don’t be surprised when the first person you see after completing check-in is an immigration officer!

In terms of security, DEL does not offer any fast-track program comparable to Verified Travellers in Canada. However, if you are travelling internationally on a diplomatic passport, in first or business class or using the APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC), you can access a priority immigration channel, which in turn leads to priority security lanes. Some private companies also claim to sell access to these lanes, but since this is not officially allowed, I would avoid taking them up on their offers.

Closely follow your airline’s recommendations for how early to reach the airport, as this will take into account expected security processing time. Since many international flights depart only once per day (or even less than daily), missing your flight at DEL is a mistake you’ll want to avoid making.

Airline lounges and alternatives at DEL

A variety of airport lounges are available at DEL, with the majority of these operating within the international departures area of Terminal 3. The lounge you can access will vary, depending upon your class of travel, your airline elite status and whether you plan to gain access by paying cash, or by using a credential such as Priority Pass.

Airlines will direct international first- and business-class passengers to Encalm Privé. This is a common-use lounge not affiliated with or run by a particular carrier. With buffet-style Indian and Western dining, as well as limited chef-cooked meals, an open bar, a business centre and shower facilities, it is by far the most luxurious lounge option at DEL.

Encalm also operates the slightly more basic Encalm Lounge, which is accessible to Priority Pass card holders, regardless of travel class. Other lounges within the international departure area of DEL include the Plaza Premium Lounge and the American Express Lounge.

Notably, Air India’s Maharaja Lounge, its flagship lounge, closed for renovation in 2024, with no firm reopening date set. If you’re travelling in international first or business class on Air India, you’ll get access to Encalm Privé instead.

Domestic travellers have several lounge options as well. The domestic Air India Lounge in Terminal 3 remains open, even as the Maharaja Lounge is under renovation. Additionally, Encalm operates Encalm Lounge located in Terminals 1 and 2, as well as in the domestic area of Terminal 3.

One unique fact about New Delhi Airport is that nearly all its lounges allow paid access. This is in contrast to many lounges in North America and Europe, where access is based primarily on either your travel class or your status with an airline. If you have a long layover but don’t want to splurge on a stay at the airport’s transit hotel, paying for lounge access can be a nice compromise.

Luggage storage at DEL

Passengers using Terminal 3 can take advantage of the spacious CloakRoom, which has the capacity to store thousands of bags for as little as an hour or as long as 30 days. Rates range from as little as 100 rupees to store a small bag for an hour, to 800 rupees to store a large bag for a day (about CA$1.60 to CA$13.00 respectively).

If you’re arriving at Terminal 1 or 2 and need to store your luggage at the airport, I think it’s worth it to go to Terminal 3 to use this official facility. Scams run rampant in India—there’s a real chance that if you deposit your belongings somewhere else, you’ll never see them again. I may or may not be speaking from personal experience!

Transfers at DEL

Indira Gandhi International Airport is home to three terminals, which can make connections confusing if you don’t do your homework. You’re doing your homework now, however, so don’t worry!

International flights all arrive to and depart from Terminal 3, the airport’s largest and most modern terminal. The good news? If you’re connecting to or from domestic flights operated by full-service carriers like Air India or Vistara, you won’t need to change terminals. You’ll simply need to pass through immigration and customs on the way in and a security check on the way out.

Things get complicated when travel on low-cost carriers such as Indigo and SpiceJet is involved. While some of these flights depart from Terminal 2, which is only a short distance from Terminal 3, others depart several kilometres away at Terminal 1. Verify your departure terminal well in advance. It could mean the difference between a walk and a taxi or shuttle ride!

I know from personal experience that it can take 30 minutes or longer just to travel between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2/3, whether by taxi or free airport shuttle bus. Plus, once you reach your destination terminal, you’ll need to clear security (and, if you’re travelling internationally, passport control). As a result, I recommend giving yourself a minimum window of four hours in the event that you will need to transfer between Terminals 1 and 3.

Transit hotel at DEL

Unlike other airports in India, DEL is home to an “airside” transit hotel you can access without leaving the secure area. Operated by Holiday Inn Express, it’s especially convenient for passengers transiting from one international flight to another, who do not want or need to enter India.

The hotel also has a “domestic” section, however, so you can stay here overnight if you’re arriving internationally and have a domestic flight the next day, or vice-versa. While this property tends to be more expensive than those just off-site, the convenience is priceless for many travellers.