The project, undertaken by Delhi International Airport Ltd., aims to increase international passenger capacity.

As part of the enlargement, domestic capacity at T3 will be reduced, requiring the relocation of some domestic operations of Air India and Air India Express from Oct 26, 2025, the airline group said.

Air India will shift 60 of its 180 daily domestic departures from Delhi to the upgraded Terminal 2 (T2). Air India Express will move all its domestic flights to the renovated Terminal 1 (T1).

All international flights of Air India and Air India Express will continue to operate from Terminal 3 (T3).

Domestic flights operated by Air India from or to T2 will now have four-digit flight numbers beginning with ‘1’ (for example, AI1737, AI1787).

The change is intended to help passengers easily identify flights operating from T2.

Inter-terminal transfers

According to the carriers, passengers holding boarding passes for connecting flights will be provided inter-terminal transfers between T1, T2, and T3.

This facility will be available for connections between Air India flights, Air India Express flights, and eligible codeshare services.

Baggage checked through to the final destination will be transferred directly between terminals without the need for passengers to collect and recheck it.

Delhi International Airport will also operate a shuttle service every 10 minutes to connect T1, T2, and T3. Passengers with reduced mobility or those requiring special assistance can request buggy rides between T2 and T3.

Support during transition

Air India and Air India Express will notify passengers whose flights are shifting to Terminal 2 and Terminal 1 through their registered contact details.

Travellers booking new Air India flights with AI1XXX-series numbers will be informed that these flights operate from T2. Passengers booking Air India Express domestic flights to or from Delhi will receive similar notifications.

Customers whose flights continue to operate from T3 will be reminded to check their terminal details, especially if they have connecting flights, the airline group said.

Those checking in online for AI1XXX-series flights will also get an additional reminder that their departure is from T2.

Both airlines are deploying extra staff at the terminals to assist passengers and guide them through the transfers. Some ground staff will wear identifiable t-shirts to help travellers locate assistance easily.

Guidance for passengers

Passengers are advised to update their contact details in their bookings to receive timely alerts and to verify flight and terminal information before travel through the airlines’ official websites, mobile apps, or customer service channels, the airlines added.