“Wrong terminal” is one of the reasons for travelers to miss their flights, domestic or international. The right terminal information, among others, helps avoid missing flights especially during short connections. If you are scheduled to fly with Air India to or from New Delhi Airport on or after 26 October 2025, you need to be aware of the right terminal for hassle-free domestic to international and international to domestic connections.
At New Delhi IGI Airport, Terminal 2 is reopening on 26 October after months of renovation, and Terminal 3 is scheduled to undergo expansion for enhanced international traffic capacity. Accordingly, Air India is reshuffling its domestic operations between T3, T2, and T1. On 26 October, Air India is shifting 60 of its domestic flights from Terminal 3 to Terminal 2, and its subsidiary – Air India Express will be having all its domestic operations from Terminal 1. This means travelers flying into or out of New Delhi must have the right terminal information.
How to Check Delhi Airport Terminal for Air India Flights
For passengers of Air India flights to New Delhi from USA or other countries with domestic connections, here is a simple 4-digit trick to identify the right terminal for their connecting domestic flights. If the domestic flight number in your itinerary is a 4-digit number starting with “1” (for example, AI12340), it means you must transit to T2 from T3 for the domestic connection. Air India’s domestic flights that still have three digits (like AI302) will continue to operate from the international Terminal 3. If the domestic flight number begins with XI, you need to transfer to Terminal 1 after international arrival.
“If the domestic to international connection for your outbound flight requires you to transfer from T1 to T3 at Delhi Airport, you need to select from Air India itineraries with significant transit time given the distance between T1 and T3 (around 8 km). Hence, checking the Air India flight number (4-digit or 3 digit) for the domestic leg in itineraries is recommended for your convenience,” said the chief ticketing officer of IndianEagle.com, the most trusted source of cheap airline tickets to India.
How to Transfer between Terminals at Delhi IGI Airport
When your international flight lands at T3, you go through arrival formalities including immigration, checked baggage claim, and customs clearance. Once you are done, you head to the terminal for your connecting domestic flight, irrespective of airline.
T3 to T2: At Delhi Airport, T3 to T2 distance is not more than 500 meters. You can either walk (about 10–15 minutes) or take the free shuttle bus that runs every 10 minutes. The shuttle is well-marked and easy to find near the arrival area.
T3 to T1: T1 is farther from T3 at DEL Airport and cannot be reached on foot. You can use the free inter-terminal shuttle service that operates around the clock between T1, T2, and T3. Alternatively, prepaid taxis or app-based cabs are available outside Terminal 3 if you prefer a direct ride.
Air India automatically transfers checked bags from Terminal 3 to T2 and T1 without requiring you to claim and recheck in your bags, If the entire itinerary has a single PNR. If the international leg and the domestic leg in the itinerary have different PNRs, you need to collect your checked bags at T3 and recheck in at T2 or T1.
Helpful Facilities at Delhi Airport for Transit Passengers
Delhi International Airport provides dedicated assistance desks at all terminals to help passengers with transfers. Look for counters of connecting Air India Flights customs clearance at T3. The ground staff can confirm your domestic terminal, guide you to the shuttle area, and help if your next flight departs soon. There is also buggy service for passengers with mobility needs, luggage trolleys, and free Wi-Fi in all terminals. There are food courts, rest areas, and lounges if you have a long layover. Navigating Delhi Airport during terminal transfer is easy once you know where to go. The airport staff are helpful when it comes to guiding transit passengers.
