PM likely to open revamped Tl at IGI airport this month

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate Delhi airport's Terminal 1, likely by February 25, two officials close to the development said, adding that the upgraded facility will bring in a slew of new convenience features for flyers and make departures and arrival quicker.

- Neha LM Tripathi and Jasjeev Gandhiok

The terminal, which will be two-and-a-half times larger than the old T1, will initially begin operations with IndiGo and SpiceJet flights, one of these people said.

"The revamped terminal 1 is all set to be made operational and is awaiting to be inaugurated by PM Modi. The terminal will be inaugurated around February 25," an official close to the development said, asking not to be named.

Work at T1 has been underway in segments, with portions shut since 2019, to bring both TIC and TID-previously separate sections for arrivals and departures under one roof.

The expansion plan, officials said, focuses on passenger convenience and will include all aerobridges (referred as smart apron by the airport operator), which will enable flyers to walk to or back from the aircraft, as they do at Terminal 3 at present where planes directly dock with these bridges.

The old T1 did not have aerobridges, requiring passengers to take a bus to reach the plane or arrive at the terminal after landing, which took an additional 15 minutes.

"Passengers will now be able to directly de-board the aircraft and proceed towards his/her destination if they have no check-in luggage," one of the officials mentioned above said.