Delhi Airport Terminal 2 closes April 15: What UAE travellers should know
Major UAE carriers unaffected but passengers must check codeshare flight details
DUBAI: Travellers from the UAE heading to India’s capital should take note – starting April 15, 2025, Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport will temporarily shut Terminal 2 (T2) for comprehensive renovation and runway improvement works.
The closure, expected to last four to six months, will shift all T2 domestic operations to Terminal 1 (T1), according to Delhi airport authorities.
While international flights to and from Terminal 3 (T3) will continue unaffected, the move could impact UAE passengers with domestic connecting flights or codeshare routes involving Indian carriers. Airlines are urging passengers to check updated terminal and flight details in advance to avoid delays or confusion at the airport.
Will UAE flights be affected?
Flights operated by UAE-based carriers such as Emirates, Etihad Airways, Flydubai, and Air Arabia will continue to arrive at and depart from Terminal 3, which manages both international and select domestic services. These airlines will not be directly affected by the shutdown.
However, passengers with domestic connections in India – particularly those flying with IndiGo, Air India, or Akasa Air – may experience changes in terminal usage or timings. Codeshare passengers, including those travelling on UAE routes connected with carriers such as Virgin Atlantic, Air France-KLM, or American Airlines, are advised to verify their domestic flight terminals if operated by Indian partner airlines.
What are airlines saying?
IndiGo, which operated a large volume of domestic flights from T2, has confirmed that from April 15, all its affected services will now depart from Terminal 1. The airline has posted advisories on social media and its official website, encouraging passengers to double-check flight schedules and arrive at the airport early.
#6ETravelAdvisory: From April 15, 2025, all #DelhiT2 flights will shift to #DelhiT1 due to maintenance. Expect possible schedule changes. Check terminal info https://t.co/Cp5tVZLarB and flight status https://t.co/TQCzzykjgA before heading to the airport. pic.twitter.com/KckE5IN4uG
— IndiGo (@IndiGo6E) April 13, 2025
“From April 15, 2025, all #DelhiT2 flights will shift to #DelhiT1 due to maintenance,” IndiGo posted on X (formerly Twitter), adding links to terminal information and live flight updates.
Akasa Air has also announced the relocation of its Delhi operations from T2 to T1. The airline advised customers to plan for additional travel time and reconfirm details through its official channels.
#TravelUpdate: Starting 15 Apr 2025, all our flights to and from Delhi will operate from Terminal 1 (also known as 1D) of IGI Airport, Delhi. To ensure a seamless travel experience, we request you to plan for additional time to reach the airport well in time for your flight. Our…
— Akasa Air (@AkasaAir) April 7, 2025
While Air India and other carriers were not primarily operating from T2, the airport's runway and infrastructure works may indirectly affect their schedules. Passengers are urged to monitor for possible reroutes or delays through July 2025.
Why is Terminal 2 closing?
Built in 1986, Terminal 2 previously handled up to 70 million passengers annually. The shutdown is part of Delhi Airport’s long-term infrastructure plan spearheaded by GMR Group. The project includes the expansion of Terminal 1, a fourth runway, and the creation of India’s first elevated cross-taxiway.
#2DaysToGo
— Delhi Airport (@DelhiAirport) April 13, 2025
The countdown is getting exciting!
In just 2 days, experience a smarter, more comfortable journey at Delhi Airport’s upgraded Terminal 1.
Get ready for smoother travel, better connectivity, and world-class facilities — all under one roof.#Terminal1 #DELAirport pic.twitter.com/DZ8ZYmSZw9
Upgrades to T2 will include:
- Self-service check-in kiosks
- Advanced baggage handling systems
- Improved passenger lounges and amenities
The renovated terminal is expected to match the modern standards of T1 and T3. While there is no official confirmation on whether it will reopen as Terminal 2 or Terminal 4, sources familiar with the Delhi Airport Masterplan suggest a rebranding may be on the cards.
What should UAE travellers do now?
For a seamless journey, UAE-based passengers are advised to take the following steps:
- Check your terminal: If your flight was scheduled for T2, confirm the new terminal directly with your airline.
- Monitor schedules: Expect possible changes or delays in flight timings.
- Update contact details: Ensure you receive real-time alerts from your airline.
- Arrive early: Longer queues are expected at T1 due to increased domestic traffic. Allow additional check-in and transfer time.
The Delhi Airport Metro Line continues to provide convenient inter-terminal connectivity, especially between T1 and T3. Shuttle services are operational and will be essential for passengers navigating terminal transfers.