Indira Gandhi International Airport

Whispers of the past echo through the vast halls of Indira Gandhi International Airport. Did you know that this bustling hub, now the tenth-busiest airport in the world, started as a humble airfield? Indira Gandhi International Airport, named after India’s former Prime Minister, has a history as layered as the city it serves. Originally known as Palam Airport, it served as a Royal Air Force base during World War II. Imagine the roar of warplanes replacing the current hum of jet engines. After India gained independence, Palam Airport transitioned into a civilian airport in 1962, handling a mere 1,300 passengers per hour. As air traffic soared in the 70s and 80s, a new international terminal, Terminal 2, was built. In 1986, the airport was officially renamed Indira Gandhi International Airport. This marked a pivotal moment in the airport’s journey. The old domestic terminal, formerly known as Palam Airport, became Terminal 1. It was further subdivided into 1A, 1B, and 1C, handling both international and domestic operations. Fast forward to 2001, and Indira Gandhi International Airport witnessed a historic event. Canada 3000 launched the first non-stop flight between India and North America, connecting Delhi to Toronto. This was a bold leap, made even more poignant by the fact that it occurred shortly after the 9/11 attacks, a time when the global aviation industry was reeling. Sadly, Canada 3000 ceased operations just a month later. The Indian aviation boom, however, continued. By 2006/2007, the airport was bursting at the seams, handling 16.5 million passengers annually, far exceeding its capacity of 12.5 million. The 2010 Commonwealth Games were on the horizon, and Delhi needed a world-class airport. Enter Terminal 3. This architectural marvel, inaugurated in July 2010, increased the airport’s capacity by a staggering 34 million passengers. It became the 8th largest passenger terminal globally. Today, Indira Gandhi International Airport boasts four runways, including one inaugurated in 2008 which was instrumental in boosting the airport’s capacity from 60 to 100 flights per hour. As you stand here, at this crossroads of cultures and destinations, remember the airport’s remarkable evolution. From a wartime airfield to a global aviation hub, Indira Gandhi International Airport continues to write its story, with each arrival and departure marking a new chapter.