With more space and new features, a brand-new experience at Delhi airport's Terminal 1

NEW DELHI: There is a buzz at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, with its newly constructed Terminal 1 building starting operations from Saturday.
Officials say the terminal efficiently handled 13 flights on its opening day. Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) had previously announced the transfer of 13 SpiceJet flights to the new T1 from other terminals.
An official said: "Additionally, starting from Sept 2, IndiGo is set to relocate 34 flights to the new terminal building, with the majority of these flights being shifted from the congested Terminal 2."
The new T1 building integrates arrivals and departures in a single structure, offering more than twice the space compared with the previous T1, which had separate sections for arrivals and departures. PM Narendra Modi inaugurated the new T1 on March 10, but it remained non-operational until DIAL and other agencies completed a series of trials.
DIAL initiated the expansion of T1 in 2019 after the terminal experienced a significant increase in air traffic and passenger numbers, surpassing projections. The expansion work aimed to prepare the airport for future growth.
To enhance the passenger experience, DIAL has introduced several new features at the new terminal, such as mobile check-in service, longer baggage reclaim carousels, an automated tray retrieval system, individual carrier system, common usage self service, aerobridges, check-in counters and self-baggage drop kiosks. These features are designed to streamline airport processes for travellers.
Additional amenities include expanded baggage reclaim carousels, multiple entry gates, a prayer room, yoga area, quiet zone, group seating, laptop and mobile charging stations, a self-medication room, baby care rooms and smart washrooms. These features aim to improve the traveller experience on the airport.
SpiceJet passengers will enter through Gate A on ground floor, while IndiGo passengers will use entry gates 5 and 6 on the first floor. Adequate signage and road markings are in place to guide passengers from the dedicated arrivals area on ground floor to departures area.