India is a country with a rapidly growing aviation industry, with numerous airports serving as gateways to various parts of the country. India is home to some of the largest and busiest airports in the world, with millions of passengers passing through them every year. In this article, we will explore the biggest airport in India, its history, facilities, and future prospects.
The Biggest Airport in India
Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA), located in Delhi, is currently the biggest airport in India. It is spread over an area of 5,106 acres and is the busiest airport in India in terms of passenger traffic. The airport was named after India’s former Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi, and is owned and operated by Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL).
History
The construction of Indira Gandhi International Airport began in 2006, and the new terminal (Terminal 3) was inaugurated in 2010, just in time for the Commonwealth Games. The terminal has the capacity to handle 34 million passengers annually and is the world’s eighth-largest passenger terminal. The airport’s first terminal (Terminal 1) was built in the 1980s and was primarily used for domestic flights.
Facilities
Indira Gandhi International Airport offers a wide range of facilities for passengers, including numerous dining options, duty-free shopping, lounges, prayer rooms, and medical facilities. The airport also offers free Wi-Fi, baggage wrapping services, and baggage storage facilities. The airport has three terminals, with Terminal 3 being the largest and most modern. Terminal 1 is used for domestic flights, while Terminal 2 is used for low-cost carriers.
Future Prospects
Indira Gandhi International Airport is currently undergoing a major expansion to accommodate the increasing passenger traffic. The airport has already added a new runway and is currently constructing a fourth terminal, which is expected to be completed by 2022. The new terminal will be able to handle 40 million passengers annually, increasing the airport’s total capacity to 100 million passengers annually by 2022. Additionally, the airport is also expanding its cargo facilities, which will further boost its capacity.
India is a country that boasts a vast network of airports, from the largest to the smallest. The aviation sector has been expanding rapidly in recent years, and the government has taken significant measures to improve air connectivity across the country. In this article, we will explore the biggest airport in India, its features, and its significance.
Indira Gandhi International Airport
Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI), located in New Delhi, is the biggest airport in India. It was named after India’s first female prime minister, Indira Gandhi. The airport is spread over an area of 5,106 acres and has three terminals: Terminal 1, Terminal 2, and Terminal 3.
Terminal 1
Terminal 1 is used for domestic flights and is divided into two buildings, Terminal 1A and Terminal 1D. Terminal 1A handles flights operated by Air India Regional and Alliance Air. Terminal 1D is used by all other domestic airlines, including IndiGo, SpiceJet, and GoAir. Terminal 1 has a capacity of approximately 18 million passengers per annum.
Terminal 2
Terminal 2 was opened in 2017 to replace Terminal 1C and to provide additional capacity for domestic flights. It has a capacity of approximately 12 million passengers per annum and is used exclusively by IndiGo airlines.
Terminal 3
Terminal 3 is the largest and most modern terminal of the airport, with a capacity of approximately 34 million passengers per annum. It handles both domestic and international flights and is used by most of the major airlines, including Air India, Emirates, British Airways, and Lufthansa. The terminal is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including duty-free shops, lounges, and restaurants.
Features and Facilities
Indira Gandhi International Airport is equipped with several features and facilities to ensure that passengers have a comfortable and convenient travel experience. Some of the notable features include:
- Runways: The airport has three runways, each measuring 4,430 meters in length, making it one of the few airports in the world to have three parallel runways.
- Cargo facilities: The airport has a cargo terminal that handles approximately 800,000 metric tonnes of cargo per annum. The terminal is equipped with modern facilities, including cold storage, and handles a wide range of cargo, including perishable goods, pharmaceuticals, and hazardous materials.
- Lounges: The airport has several lounges, including the Plaza Premium Lounge and the American Express Lounge, which provide passengers with access to amenities such as showers, food, and beverages.
- Duty-free shops: The airport has several duty-free shops, including those operated by Dufry and Delhi Duty-Free, offering a wide range of products, including liquor, tobacco, and perfumes.
- Medical facilities: The airport has a medical center equipped with modern facilities and staffed by qualified medical professionals to provide medical assistance to passengers.
Significance
Indira Gandhi International Airport is a significant airport in India and plays a crucial role in connecting India to the rest of the world. It is the primary gateway to the national capital region and handles a significant portion of the air traffic in the country. The airport also plays a crucial role in promoting tourism in India by providing connectivity to several domestic and international destinations.
Conclusion
Indira Gandhi International Airport is the biggest airport in India, with three terminals and state-of-the-art facilities. The airport plays a crucial role in connecting India to the rest of the world and promoting tourism in the country. The government has taken several measures to improve air connectivity across the country, and the aviation sector is expected to continue its growth trajectory in the coming years.Indira Gandhi International Airport is the biggest airport in India, with state-of-the-art facilities and a long history of serving passengers from all over the world. With its ongoing expansion plans, the airport is poised to become one of the most important transportation hubs in Asia, connecting India with the rest of the world. As India’s aviation industry continues to grow, Indira Gandhi International Airport will undoubtedly play a critical role in shaping the country’s future.
