New Delhi: The 40-year-old Terminal 2 (T2) of Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport reopened to passengers from the intervening night of October 25-26, 2025, marking a significant milestone in India’s airport modernization drive. The refurbished terminal was inaugurated by Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu on Saturday, coinciding with the start of the 2025 winter flight schedule.

After months of closure for extensive renovation, Terminal 2 has returned to operation as a futuristic, passenger-friendly facility. As per Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), around 120 daily domestic flights operated by Air India and IndiGo will now function from T2, helping balance flight distribution across all terminals.

Speaking at the inauguration event, Minister Naidu highlighted the government’s focus on world-class aviation infrastructure. “Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India’s airports are emerging as global transit hubs at an unprecedented pace. The modernization of Terminal 2 reflects the country’s vision of delivering a connected, competitive, and caring air travel experience,” he said.

The newly revamped terminal now includes multiple passenger-centric technologies such as the Self-Baggage Drop (SBD) system allowing travelers to independently check in their luggage, and six new Passenger Boarding Bridges (PBBs) equipped with autonomous docking technology imported from South Korea for quick and safe boarding.

Additional features include a virtual information desk providing real-time flight and gate details, enhanced air conditioning and fire safety systems, and a redesigned terminal interior with modern skylights, flooring, and improved signage for smoother navigation. A high-resolution Flight Information Display System (FIDS) and passenger facilities for persons with reduced mobility have also been introduced to promote accessibility and comfort.

Videh Kumar Jaipuriar, CEO of DIAL, described the renovation as a “complete reimagination of the passenger journey,” stating that the facility has been designed to handle the airport’s rising traffic volume efficiently while integrating sustainability and digital solutions into its operations.

The renovation of T2 was undertaken to strategically optimize flight operations between terminals and expand IGI Airport’s capacity to nearly 100 million passengers annually. Delhi currently handles about 1,400 flight movements per day, making it one of Asia’s busiest aviation hubs.

With its reopening, travelers are advised to double-check their terminal allocation prior to departure, especially those flying with Air India or IndiGo, as several routes have been re-assigned under the new terminal distribution plan.