Terminal Switch Alert : If you’re planning to travel from the UAE to Delhi anytime soon, there’s a crucial development you need to be aware of. Starting April 15, 2025, Terminal 2 (T2) of the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi will shut its doors for an extended period. The decision, which comes as part of a major infrastructure enhancement initiative, will directly affect thousands of travellers—especially those flying from high-traffic international destinations like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah. Here’s everything you need to know about the closure, the impact on your travel plans, and how to navigate the changes.
Why Is Terminal 2 Closing?
The Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) has announced that Terminal 2 will undergo comprehensive maintenance and refurbishment as part of a long-term plan to modernize and optimize airport operations. The closure is tied to essential runway enhancement work, a critical project aimed at increasing the airport’s capacity and ensuring safer, smoother operations as Delhi braces for a surge in both domestic and international air traffic over the coming years.
This is not just a cosmetic facelift. The upgrade involves major structural and systems improvements that will align Terminal 2 with global standards. According to airport authorities, the renovation project will span anywhere between four to six months, meaning T2 may not reopen until late 2025.
Terminal Switch Alert : Who Will Be Affected?
The shutdown of T2 will significantly impact domestic and connecting international travellers. Most notably, the change will affect IndiGo Airlines, which operated a large portion of its domestic flights from T2. Other carriers, including Air India, may also face indirect ripple effects due to terminal reassignments and operational reshuffling.
For travellers flying from the UAE to Delhi, the impact is mainly on arrival terminals and potential connecting flights. If you’re flying on a carrier like IndiGo with a UAE-India leg followed by a domestic transfer, you might find yourself navigating a different terminal than initially planned. Instead of arriving or transferring through T2, you’ll now use Terminal 1 (T1).
Terminal Shifts and Airline Advisories
In response to the changes, major airlines have issued public advisories:
- IndiGo Airlines has shifted all its flights that were previously departing from T2 to Terminal 1 starting April 15. The airline is urging all passengers to double-check their flight status and terminal assignment via their official website or customer service before leaving for the airport.
- Air India, while not operating many flights directly from T2, has advised passengers of possible delays and rerouting due to the broader runway refurbishment project. The airline has said it will do its best to minimize disruptions but warned that schedule adjustments are likely through July 2025.
- SpiceJet and GoFirst, which also occasionally operate through T2, are expected to issue similar updates in the days to come.
Key Tips for UAE-Based Travellers
If you’re flying from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Sharjah to Delhi, especially with budget airlines that offer UAE-India routes with layovers, here’s what you should keep in mind:
1. Confirm Your Terminal in Advance
Don’t rely on outdated information. Use your airline’s mobile app, website, or customer helpline to confirm which terminal you’ll arrive at or depart from. With flight operations shifting between terminals, incorrect assumptions can cause major confusion, delays, or even missed flights.
2. Arrive Early
Whether you’re checking in at Delhi Airport for your return trip or connecting to a domestic flight, give yourself extra time. Terminal 1 is expected to experience a surge in traffic, leading to longer check-in lines and potential congestion at security checkpoints. Arriving at least 3 hours early is highly recommended.
3. Prepare for Terminal Transfers
If your itinerary involves a connection in Delhi, especially from an international arrival to a domestic flight (or vice versa), you may need to transfer between terminals. In such cases, allow extra buffer time and use the airport’s shuttle services, which run at regular intervals between T1, T2, and T3.
4. Stay Informed
Follow updates from:
- Delhi International Airport’s official social media channels
- Your airline’s app or SMS service
- Travel advisory portals or UAE-based travel agents for local information
These platforms will provide real-time updates on any additional delays, shuttle timing changes, or unexpected closures.
The Bigger Picture: Why the Upgrade Matters
Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport is among the busiest airports in the world, handling over 70 million passengers annually. The pressure on infrastructure is immense, especially with India’s growing middle class and the increased demand for air travel from Gulf countries like the UAE.
By shutting down T2 temporarily, DIAL is taking proactive steps to future-proof the airport, ensure better passenger amenities, and streamline operations across terminals. Post-renovation, Terminal 2 is expected to offer:
- Enhanced passenger comfort with better lounges and seating
- Improved baggage handling systems
- Faster check-in and security processes
- Environmentally sustainable architecture, aligning with India’s green infrastructure goals
While the short-term inconvenience may cause some disruption, the long-term benefits promise a smarter, faster, and more efficient travel experience for all.
UAE Residents Speak Out
Frequent flyers and travel agents in the UAE have mixed feelings. “It’s a good move, no doubt, but the timing is tricky,” says Syed Rahman, a travel consultant in Dubai. “Summer is coming, and a lot of UAE residents fly to India during this period. Terminal confusion can cause chaos if travellers aren’t informed in advance.”
On the other hand, tech entrepreneur Aditi Mehra, who travels between Abu Dhabi and Delhi monthly, is optimistic. “I’m glad they’re finally fixing T2. It always felt like the forgotten sibling compared to T3. A few months of planning ahead is a small price to pay for long-term improvement.”
In Conclusion
The shutdown of Terminal 2 at Delhi Airport is a major infrastructure move that will reshape the travel landscape for the remainder of 2025. For UAE residents flying to Delhi, the change brings with it the need for careful planning, proactive coordination, and constant updates. Whether you’re heading home, visiting loved ones, or conducting business in India’s capital, staying informed is the key to a seamless travel experience.
As always, double-check your itinerary, arrive early, and communicate with your airline. While Terminal 2 takes a brief hiatus, Terminal 1 is ready to shoulder the load—just be sure you’re ready for the switch.
Safe travels! ✈️
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