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
Akola Airport (AKD) is a significant regional aviation facility located in the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra, India, serving the city of Akola and its surrounding industrial districts. Situated approximately seven kilometers from the city center, the airport is currently in a state of major transformation. In 2022, the Maharashtra government approved a substantial investment of over Rs 200 crore for a comprehensive expansion project aimed at modernizing the terminal infrastructure and extending the runway to 1,800 meters to accommodate larger commercial aircraft such as the ATR-72 series.
The terminal experience at Akola currently provides basic but essential amenities designed for regional travelers and general aviation pilots. Inside, passengers have access to a comfortable waiting area, clean washrooms, and a dedicated information desk. While the facility lacks the extensive commercial concourses of major Indian hubs, the ongoing upgrades include the construction of a modern passenger terminal with increased capacity and enhanced services. The layout is exceptionally user-friendly, with the check-in counters and baggage claim area located within a short walking distance of the main entrance, ensuring a rapid transition for all travelers navigating the central Maharashtra interior.
Operational activity at AKD is poised for a significant boost upon the completion of the runway extension and navigation upgrades in late 2026. The airport serves as a vital node for regional logistics and supports the area's thriving textile and pulses industries. The terminal area is equipped with updated air traffic control systems and a fire station, reflecting the professional standards maintained during its 2008 renovation. For visitors, the airport represents more than just a transit point; it is the starting point for exploring the historic sites of the Vidarbha region, including the nearby Narnala Fort and the scenic Katepurna Wildlife Sanctuary, while providing a reliable bridge to the nation's broader transportation network.
๐ Connection Tips
Akola Airport (AKD) should currently be approached as a limited regional facility rather than a dependable place to build a normal commercial connection. Airports Authority of India maintains the airport, and Maharashtra has been advancing expansion work, but public scheduled options have been sparse to non-existent for long stretches. In practical trip-planning terms, that means travelers should build the main journey around a stronger transport hub such as Nagpur, Aurangabad, or a rail connection, and treat AKD as conditional rather than essential.
If you do have a flight movement linked to Akola, confirm it directly with the operator and do not rely on old timetable assumptions. A route that once existed may no longer be active, and the airport's value may lie more in training, positioning, or future development than in stable passenger service on the dates you need. That matters even more if you are trying to protect an onward international itinerary from Mumbai or another major city.
For ground access, Akola city itself is not far from the airport, so the terminal-to-town segment is simpler than the air-service question. The real planning issue is whether flying into Akola actually improves the trip compared with arriving by rail or by road from a larger airport. Business travelers should compare the full door-to-door timing, not just the flight time.
Akola Airport (AKD) is best approached with a sense of realism regarding its current operational status. Travelers should use it only when they have verified, up-to-date information on scheduled services or have a specific private aviation need. Otherwise, it is highly recommended to keep your connection plan anchored to the larger Maharashtra transport network, utilizing hubs like Nagpur or Aurangabad, and regarding Akola as the final local destination rather than the backbone of a complex itinerary.
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