Passengers arriving at Terminal 1 (T1) of Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) may soon enjoy a more seamless travel experience as Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL) seeks approval from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) for a streamlined baggage transfer system between T1 and Terminal 3 (T3).
This initiative aims to alleviate the hassle of manually transporting checked-in baggage across terminals, significantly improving the passenger experience.
Currently, passengers arriving at T1, which primarily handles domestic flights, must transport their checked-in baggage to T3 for connecting international flights, a process that involves road travel between the terminals.
With the new airside baggage transfer system, passengers will no longer need to handle their baggage during this transition. Instead, their checked-in luggage will be automatically transferred between terminals, reducing logistical challenges and making travel more convenient.
Officials also indicated that a similar system is under consideration for passengers arriving at T3 for connecting flights at T1. This would benefit international travellers connecting to domestic flights, who currently face the inconvenience of road transfers and baggage handling.
To implement these changes, a Proof of Concept (PoC) is being developed to enable baggage drop-off at T1 after customs clearance for international passengers. This PoC is crucial for ensuring that logistical and security arrangements, including customs procedures, are efficiently managed to facilitate the seamless transfer of baggage.
The airport infrastructure at IGIA is already undergoing significant upgrades, with an expanded Terminal 1 set to commence operations in June. This expansion is part of a broader initiative led by DIAL, a consortium spearheaded by the GMR Group, to enhance the airport's capacity and passenger handling capabilities, which currently range from 100 to 105 million annually.
To further streamline transit between terminals, plans are underway to introduce an Automated People Mover (APM) or an air train system. This would provide passengers with a quick and efficient way to travel between T1, T2, and T3, addressing the current need for road transfers.
With air passenger traffic steadily increasing, airlines are expanding their fleets and networks to meet the growing demand. The proposed baggage transfer system and other infrastructure upgrades are expected to significantly enhance the overall efficiency and convenience of Delhi Airport, positioning it as a leading hub for both domestic and international travellers.
The aviation community and passengers eagerly await the BCAS approval, which will mark a significant step forward in improving the travel experience at one of India’s busiest airports.
