Indira Gandhi International Airport Delhi India Travel Tips

Updated October 2009. Very short video showing the first mad crush of people coming out of baggage claim.

Tips when traveling to and from IGI Airport:

The airport is construction is coming along nicely. Upon arrival, you will deplane and go down a flight of stairs or escalator. I recommend the staircase as the line waiting to get through customs backs all the way to the bottom of the escalator leaving little or no room to safely get off.

With the H1N1 outbreak, you now have to fill out a Swine Flu health form prior to leaving the plane. You will hand this to the booths situated just before the Customs booths. The Customs area has been remodeled with a vast improvement for lighting and comfort. Once through customs, not very difficult, proceed to the right and into the baggage claim area. There is one set of bathrooms at the far end of baggage claim near carousel 6. Baggage claim can take up to 90 minutes depending on their volume that night. Baggage claim appears to have improved with shorter wait times than in the past. Be patient. For Business class travelers there are separate spots next to individual carousels where your luggage is unloaded and waiting for you. There are ample baggage carts to use free of cost.

Once you have claimed your baggage, you will need to present the small piece of paper from your Customs form to the officers posted near the doors for exit. The video posted shows the waiting crowd you encounter as you leave the airport. This room has now been enlarged with a huge glass wall at teh far end letting in more light and giving a ncie view of the outside. Hopefully you have made arrangements for transportation already, however if not there are plenty of Pre-paid taxis for hire.

Upon leaving India and entering airport:

Be sure to have a printed copy of your itinerary or actual ticket as you will not be allowed entry into the building without this. The airlines do have offices in case of dispute or denied entry, they are located directly across the street from the main terminal. If you arrive more than 3 hours before your flight, you will be directed into this building which doubles as a waiting room. Entry for this building is Rs 30 but there are Western toilets and places to get food.

Once inside the Main Terminal, the old system of sending your bag through a strapping process is gone. Thank goodness. No you can go directly to your airline check in counter. All counters are designated with TV monitors by airline. It is very chaotic so be aware of your belongings and where you are going, there are airline reps throughout the terminal. This area of the airport has also been remodeled, much brighter, wider hallways...very modern.

Once you have your tickets, you can proceed to Customs. After Customs you reach security, however you will not be allowed access to your gate until 60-90 minutes prior to departure. There are lounges located upstairs just after Customs which have Western toilets. These lounges have been remodeled as well. They have a great feel to them now compared to just 4 years ago. If you opt out of the lounges, there are seating areas on the ground floor and Western toilets as well.

Security is pretty straight-forward, men and women are patted down and given a metal wand pass. Make sure to have your passport out at all times for easy access. That's it, it's easy after this. Since the remodel the gate signage is very clear and easy to find. There are now shops and food stalls after security which has greatly enhanced the look and feel of the airport. Happy Travels!

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• India
• Delhi
• Airport
• Travel
• Tourist
• Log
• Destination
• Landmark
• Culture
• Indira
• Ghandi
• International
• IGI

[tutorialconr]

Hey , How did you find India ? I live in Delhi and suggest you check out Terminal 3 nearing completion on 4th July '10 !

[fullstopindia]

@tutorialconr Looking forward to seeing the new T3. A new video will have to be made with new tips for tourist descending on New Delhi.

[coolrashrock]

what is the tip here??

[fullstopindia]

Did you read "About this video"?

[Hardbass11]

so? :P

[DARKWADER9]

y im indian and the indian police are sooo funny rofl, 1 did ask me who my dad was when i was 7

[navikhi]

I'm from Pakistan & had an opportunity to visit New Delhi in 1999, it is really an immaculate city, the people are so loving, it is just the extremists that are spreading hatred from both the sides of the border else the majority wants the war & hatred to end. I want to say that the hospitality extended to me was really superb, one that i have visited half the globe, but didn't feel elsewhere. I wish my Indian brethren come to Pakistan & we treat them the same way. Pakistan India Dosti Zindabad.

[d4panther]

Did they not arrest you for being a taliban or a lasker e taiba for filming this clip ?

Danny panther,texas

[my235]

Thanks for the description of the arrival/departure process. I'm headed there this April.

[fullstopindia]

@elefantesagrado My last fly into New Delhi was October 2009, will be back again late 2010, early 2011

[MACKBOOK123456]

They Should Ask Where his dad was lol.

[elefantesagrado]

when did you last go there?

[ploopsy666]

that arrival hall has been the same since i was a kid....they are finally upgrading from that antique building....