With Terminal 2 of Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) set to close temporarily for maintenance from tomorrow (April 15) onwards, Civil Aviation Secretary Vumlunmang Vualnam has assured that Terminals 1 and 3 will efficiently handle the passenger load, avoiding congestion.
IGI Airport is India’s busiest airport which is being operated by DIAL and has three terminals and four runways. While one runway is already closed for maintenance, the upcoming T2 shutdown is expected to last four to six months, with completion targeted for the September quarter.
When asked whether air passengers could experience congestion due to the closure of T2, the secretary said, “No, not really”.
“T1 has now become fully operational… proper assessment has been done. So, T1 will cover whatever capacity is required. Between the T1 fully expanded and fully operational and T3, we should be able to meet the passenger requirements whatever is there,” he told PTI Videos.
IndiGo adjusts flight operations and services
Following the announcement, IndiGo stated that all its flights scheduled to operate from T2 will now arrive at and depart from T1, starting April 15. The airline is proactively notifying passengers and travel agents via SMS, calls, and emails and has urged travellers to verify their terminal details through its website or app.
“The airline is reaching out to all passengers and their respective travel agents through SMS, calls, and emails to notify them. IndiGo recommends retrieving PNR on the airline’s website or mobile app to check departure/arrival terminal before heading to the airport,” it said in a statement.
On January 10, DIAL announced that the four-decade-old Terminal 2 will be shut for refurbishment for a period of four to six months in the upcoming financial year, with the upgrade expected to be completed by the September quarter.
India-China flights likely to resume
Meanwhile, on the resumption of direct flights between India and China, the Civil Aviation Secretary stated that discussions are underway and the specific requirements of the airlines involved must be fully addressed before services can restart.
The Ministry of External Affairs and its Chinese counterpart have agreed in principle to restart services, with details currently being worked out.
“Our Ministry of External Affairs, with their counterpart, have reached an in-principle agreement to resume the direct flights. Now, the details will be worked out. (For) the carriers, who are involved from our side, I would like all the requirements to be fully met. And with the guidance of the Ministry of External Affairs, we will make it happen,” he noted.
On January 27, India and China reached an in-principle agreement to restart direct air connectivity as part of broader efforts to “stabilise and rebuild” bilateral relations through people-centric initiatives. According to the Civil Aviation Secretary, talks to resume these flight services are already underway.