Domestic passengers arriving at Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) will soon be able to exit the new state-of-the-art arrivals terminal at Terminal 1 (T1), which is now ready and expected to be operational soon, according to the airport operator.

Domestic departures were previously conducted from the T1(D) building, while arrivals were conducted from the T1(A) building (C). Officials say the old arrivals terminal will be demolished soon after passengers have transferred to the new arrivals terminal.

Also Read | Delhi govt invites fresh applications for CM Advocates Welfare Scheme

As part of Phase 3A of the airport expansion master plan, the Delhi airport is constructing a new terminal 1 that will house both arrivals and departures under one roof, as well as a new node building that will house retail and F&B outlets and a pier building that will house 22 contact stands for airlines.

According to authorities, the new arrivals terminal is 8,000 square metres in size and includes four new baggage reclaim carousels. It was also built as a green building in accordance with the global Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building standards, with a daylight concept incorporated into the overall structure, which will use glass panels to allow ample sunlight during the day and reduce electricity consumption.

Also Read | Delhi liquor shops within 100 metres from UP border will remain closed on Wed, Thurs

“Additionally, lighting fixtures and equipment like as HVAC and luggage conveyors are energy efficient and hence use less electricity.” Aside from these, DIAL deployed eco-friendly and human-friendly items in the terminal, according to a DIAL representative.

In terms of location, T1’s new arrivals terminal is now housed in a separate facility that is closer to T1(D) than T1 (C). The new T1 will be able to handle 40 million passengers per year, as opposed to the present T1’s 20 million passengers per year.

Only IndiGo and SpiceJet flights are now operating from the old T1. Flight operations resumed there on October 1, 2021, after an almost 18-month hiatus.

Also Read | Two arms suppliers nabbed in Rohini, weapons seized

Pick-up lanes outside the terminal have also been re-aligned and enlarged, with three extra lanes added, bringing the total number of automobile lanes from 8 to 11. “This will ease traffic congestion and significantly improve passenger experience and convenience during pickup,” a DIAL spokesperson added, adding that other developments include a modern meet and greet zone, a plush forecourt area with landscaping, food and beverage (F&B) and retail kiosks, and an expanded parking area for cars.

According to an official who spoke on the condition of anonymity, the new terminal might be operational as soon as next week. “The terminal is ready, and final checks will be performed,” the official stated. DIAL has already completed operational readiness and testing following the completion of physical work (ORAT).

Also Read | Doctor shot at by unidentified men outside Delhi hospital

“DIAL has completed the enlargement of the arrival terminal at T1 and is now operational.” DIAL is dedicated to providing passengers with a world-class experience. This new arrival terminal is another step toward improving Delhi Airport’s infrastructure and passenger experience. The present domestic arrival operations will now be transferred to the newly built Arrival Terminal, allowing DIAL to begin demolition of the existing arrival terminal, T1C. “The facility was urgently needed, and it would contribute to improving the airport’s operating efficiency,” stated I Prabhakara Rao, Deputy Managing Director, GMR Group.

Also Read | Delhi Police files FIR in connection with impersonation of Union minister for duping people

DIAL is also constructing the IGI airport’s fourth runway, dual elevated Eastern Cross Taxiways (ECT) to connect the northern and southern airfields, undertaking landside developments for circulation and connectivity improvements, and performing modification works at T3 as part of the overall development plan under Phase 3A.