โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
60
minutes
Domestic โ International
120
minutes
International โ Domestic
120
minutes
International โ International
120
minutes
Interline Connections
150
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Indira Gandhi International Airport operates three terminals: Terminal 1 (domestic, newly inaugurated March 2024), Terminal 2 (domestic, adjacent to T3), and Terminal 3 - the massive 5.4 million square foot international/domestic hub with five levels. Terminal 2 connects to T3 within a 5-minute walk, while T1 sits 6-8 km away requiring free shuttle buses operating every 20 minutes (shuttle kiosk at pillar 10 outside T3). T3's five-level structure includes ground floor arrivals with baggage claim and Delhi Metro connections, first level departures with separate domestic and international sections, plus mezzanine and upper floors housing lounges and the Transit Hotel.
Terminal 3 houses four piers currently expanding to five by 2027, with domestic gates C27-36, D37-62 and international gates A1-26. Air India's primary hub operates from T3 alongside IndiGo and Vistara, utilizing 168 check-in counters, 78 aerobridges at 48 contact stands, and 95 immigration counters. Security features 15 X-ray screening areas with Fast Track lanes clearly marked across all terminals, while immigration offers dedicated counters and expedited processing for eligible travelers.
Premium amenities include Air India Maharaja Lounges (domestic and international sections), Plaza Premium Lounges in all terminals, plus Amex Platinum facilities. T3 offers extensive duty-free shopping featuring Chanel, Dior, Samsung alongside Indian brands like Tanishq Jewelers and Forest Essentials Ayurveda. Dining ranges from Delhi Heights restaurant and international chains (McDonald's, KFC, Subway) to Indian street food courts. Free Wi-Fi operates 45-minute sessions via OTP authentication, with charging stations and Delhi Metro connectivity through Orange and Magenta lines serving all three terminals every 15 minutes.
๐ Connection Tips
Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) is the primary aviation hub for India, and navigating its three terminals is critical for a smooth connection. Terminal 3 (T3) and Terminal 2 (T2) are within easy walking distance (approx. 10 minutes) following the well-marked 'Inter-Terminal Transfer' signs. However, Terminal 1 (T1) is located about 8 kilometers away; a free shuttle bus operates every 20 minutes between T3 and T1 for passengers with a connecting boarding pass. A vital tip for domestic travelers is to enroll in 'DigiYatra,' which uses facial recognition for seamless entry and security, drastically reducing wait times.
For ground transportation to central Delhi, the 'Delhi Metro Airport Express' (Orange Line) from T3 is the fastest and most reliable connection, reaching New Delhi Railway Station in about 20 minutes. If taking a taxi, use the official prepaid booths or the designated Uber/Ola pickup zones to avoid overcharging. A major operational tip for DEL is to be prepared for the 'Winter Fog' season (December to February), which can cause massive disruptions to flight banks; always reconfirm your schedule during this period.
Within T3, the Air India Maharaja Lounge and various Plaza Premium lounges offer comfortable spaces for long layovers. For those connecting to international flights, allow at least three to four hours to clear the multiple layers of security and immigration, which can become congested during the midnight peak of international departures. Lastly, keep a physical copy of your boarding pass or digital itinerary ready, as security personnel at the initial terminal gates will check it before granting entry to the building.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
60
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Adampur Airport (AIP), officially renamed Shri Guru Ravidass Maharaj Ji Airport, is a significant regional aviation facility serving Jalandhar and the historic Doaba region of Punjab, India. Located approximately 25 kilometers from Jalandhar city, the airport shares its runway with the strategic Adampur Air Force Station. In March 2024, a state-of-the-art new terminal building was inaugurated, marking a major milestone in the airport's transition from a military-only airfield to a modern commercial hub capable of handling over 500,000 passengers annually.
The new 5,000-square-meter terminal is a two-level, energy-efficient structure that has earned a 4-Star GRIHA rating for its sustainable design. It features an advanced insulated roofing system, solar power integration, and sophisticated waste management systems. Inside, the facility provides eight check-in counters, two automated baggage conveyor belts, and digital flight information displays to ensure a streamlined experience for travelers. While the airport focuses on functional efficiency, it offers comfortable waiting areas, clean washrooms, and a dedicated help desk to assist passengers with their regional and domestic connections.
Operational activity at Adampur has seen a significant boost with the arrival of Star Air, which connects the Jalandhar region with major domestic centers such as Bengaluru, Nanded, and Ghaziabad (Hindon). The airportโs layout is designed for rapid transitions, allowing passengers to move from the landside parking areas to the boarding gates with minimal effort. Beyond its civil transport role, AIP remains a vital node for the Indian Air Force, necessitating strict security protocols and a professional operational environment. For visitors, the new terminal represents a modern and welcoming gateway to the industrial and cultural heartlands of Punjab.
๐ Connection Tips
Adampur Airport is a working domestic airport for the Jalandhar area, but the most reliable connection planning still runs through larger Indian hubs. Current airline booking channels and public route references show Adampur linked by domestic services rather than by a broad international network, so if your final trip includes a long-haul sector, you should usually think in terms of Delhi or another major metro airport as the real connection point. AIP is the regional access airport, not the place with the deepest recovery options.
That does not mean it is difficult to use. The airport's compact scale is an advantage for ordinary arrivals and departures, and road access into Jalandhar is manageable. But if you are self-connecting onward, the same compactness should not tempt you into an unrealistically short plan. A delay on a regional domestic sector can still unravel a same-day onward itinerary if the next segment sits at a bigger airport with its own check-in cutoffs, baggage rules, and terminal-transfer needs.
The safest strategy is to keep the itinerary protected on one ticket when possible or, if you are splitting the booking, to leave enough time for the full landside process at the larger hub. Ground transport from Adampur into Jalandhar should also be arranged with realistic expectations around traffic. In short, AIP works well as the local airport for the region, but the prudent traveler treats the long-haul connection as a separate planning problem and leaves margin accordingly.
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