Facebook
YouTube
WhatsApp
Twitter
Delhi, as a major metropolitan area, is home to many iconic landmarks like the Red Fort, India Gate, etc. The airports serve as significant gateways to the rest of the globe, providing them access to witness the city’s rich tapestry. The city is supported by a diverse range of airports catering to various aviation needs; a home to principal international airports that acts as a major hub for both local and international air traffic, as well as a big cargo processing facility. Airports in Delhi also handle regional and charter flights, providing complete air connectivity.
5 Airports In Delhi
From commercial passenger flights to military operations, cargo, and general aviation, the airports in Delhi cover a vast range of functions.
1. Indira Gandhi International Airport
Photo: Rehman Abubakr / Wikimedia Commons
Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI), located in Palam, Delhi, is one of the famous airports in Delhi. Serving as a transit hub for both local and international passengers, this is an international airport in Delhi and is a key transit hub in all of South Asia. The airport is named after Indira Gandhi, India’s previous Prime Minister. IGI is located over more than 5,000 acres and has three primary ports. Terminal 1 is allocated to domestic flights, Terminal 2 handles domestic flights, which reduces congestion at T1 and Terminal 3 is the largest and most modern terminal, handling both local and international aircraft.
Location: Airport Rd, New Delhi, Delhi 110037
Functions: Terminal 1 (T1) and Terminal 2 (T2): Mostly handle domestic flights
Terminal 3 (T3): Caters to both domestic and international flights
2. Safdarjung Airport
Photo: Ern Low / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Safdarjung Airport, located in the heart of Delhi on Aurobindo Marg, is one of the popular airports in Delhi. Established in the 1920s, it served as Delhi’s major airport until the 1960s, when Indira Gandhi International Airport opened, moreover, today, Safdarjung Airport no longer services commercial passenger flights but is still operational for a variety of other uses. The airport mostly serves general aviation, which includes private flights, charter services, and non-scheduled air activities, and located within the city, it is proven ideal and convenient for special aviation activities.
Location: Sri Aurobindo Marg, Safdarjung Airport Area, New Delhi, Delhi 110003
Functions: Used for non-commercial flights, private jets, and general aviation
3. Delhi Flying Club
Photo: Marcus Zymmer / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Safdarjung Airport, once the city’s main airport, is now used primarily for general aviation and as the base for the Delhi Flying Club. The Delhi Flying Club is one of India’s oldest aviation clubs, with a prominent role in pilot training and aviation promotion. The club, located at Safdarjung Airport, offers pilot training programs that include both private and commercial pilot certificates. In addition to instruction, this club engages in a variety of aviation operations, including private charter services. The Delhi Flying Club has an extensive background, and it continues to contribute to the growth of aviation in the country. It is one of the domestic airports in Delhi.
Location: Within Safdarjung Airport premises
Functions: Focuses on pilot training and private aviation
4. Palam Air Force Station
Photo: Robert Bye / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Palam Air Force Station is a significant military airbase located adjacent to Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) in Delhi. Originally designed as a civilian airstrip, it was later modified to serve the Indian Air Force, and its strategic location makes it critical for quick deployment of military forces when needed. The airfield is essential to the country’s defence, functioning as a hub for a range of military operations and air defence responsibilities. It also serves as a base for VIP movements, allowing planes to transport high-ranking government officials and dignitaries such as the President and Prime Minister of the country.
Location: Adjacent to IGI Airport, Delhi
Functions: In use for military operations and VIP movements
5. Cargo Terminal
Photo: Patrick Campanale / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
The Cargo Terminal at IGI Airport has cutting-edge capabilities for handling a wide range of cargo, including perishables, medicines, expensive items and ordinary commodities. It includes temperature-controlled storage spaces, cold chain solutions, and innovative handling equipment to enable the safe and efficient flow of commodities. The terminal is open 24 hours on all days of the week and is well-connected to global supply networks and handles a large share of India’s air freight exports and imports. It serves a wide range of sectors, including textiles, electronics, automobiles, and agriculture, making it an important part of the country’s economy.
Location: Within Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI)
Functions: Caters to various cargo operations
Airports in Delhi form a vital network underpinning this city’s status as a hub for both domestic and international travel. There is a multifold aviation network in Delhi that provides smooth connectivity to India’s destinations and world destinations, very important in the regional economic and geopolitical dynamics. Explore the airports in Delhi with TripXL that facilitate smooth travel and logistics, thereby contributing to the economic growth of the country.
Cover Photo: Rocker Sta / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
