Last edit by: TheBagman
Terminal 3 at DEL handles all international flights as well as domestic flights of Air India, Vistara and Air Asia India.You can transit D-I, I-D, I-I and D-D.
I-I transfer desks are open as of August 2022.
Below are the details for transit within T3.
A. Domestic to international transit at T3:
If both your domestic and international flights are on a single ticket, your baggage will be checked through at the origin airport itself and you should get your onward boarding passes there as well.
At DEL there are 5 ways to get from arrivals to departures (one level up), listed here in order of least walking to most walking.
1. Domestic - intl transfer gate: After you deplane from your domestic flight (or get off the bus) and go down the escalator (or stay on the same level coming from a bus) there is a special facility for transit passengers in the hall with the copper hands on the wall (red gate in the image below). It leads directly to immigration counters and security check after which you can access departure gates, lounges etc. Service on this entry point are hit or miss, but will save you a lot of walking. There are AI and AF-KL agents roaming the queues and will fast track you if running late. However, this only works if you already have your boarding pass for your International flight, have checked your luggage through from your point of origin, and have less than 4 hours between your domestic and international flights. If you are on separate tickets, have more than 4 hours for your international flight, or the lines are too long try one of the other options below.
2. Transfer desk in the middle of the arrivals concourse: always crowded. Here you could theoretically drop your bags and take the lift up to the security or checkin desks. Its a night mare, never used it due to crowding.
3. The escalator & lift on the international end: collect your bags, turn LEFT when you exit the first set of doors after the baggage belt. At the complete end of the concourse a lonely CISF jawan polices that way up. S/he will check if you have a international onward ticket/BP or send you packing to the other ways. Once you go up you get into a glass walled holding pen with yet another CISF checkpoint that will only let you nto the checkin area if your flight is in 4h or less.
4. Escalator & lift on the domestic end: collect your bags, turn right when you exit the first set of doors after the baggage belt. At the complete end of the concourse a lonely CISF jawan polices that way up. S/he will check if you have a domestic onward ticket/BP or send you packing to the other ways. Once you go up everything is cordoned off and you are shown out the terminal by the CISF guy sitting at the glass door to the checkin area you end up curbside and have to enter the terminal again.
5. Just walking out as if you want to go to Delhi: here you exit the terminal and pretend to be a regular pax arriving in Delhi. Once you exit there are walk escalators where you push your cart on and get transported to the departure level. Select one of the many gates where there are no major lines and enter the checkin area.
B. International to domestic transit at T3:
For Air India I-D flights where your domestic flight is from AI 010-399 or 900-999, you will follow the procedure for I-I transfers (see this for details). Otherwise follow the procedure given below.
For all other flights, you will go through immigration in Delhi. After immigration you have to collect your bags and go through customs. Then follow steps 3, 4 or 5 in the section above.
Security will generally not allow entry into the domestic terminal until T-4 (four hours before the departure of your flight).
Transit hotel: For overnight transit (int'l flight arriving at night and domestic connection departing following morning), the transit hotel within Terminal 3 (IHG Holiday Inn Express) is perfectly acceptable. And the views of the tarmac when having the included breakfast aren't bad. You need to have a domestic flight departing from T3 in order to use it. The T-4 restriction does not apply to use the transit hotel. But it goes for quite a premium in rates over what the other hotels in the area cost (if willing to exit the terminal building for overnight stays). To reach, turn right after Customs and look for the Holiday Inn Express help desk inside the terminal. Staff will escort you to the hotel and help with other formalities.
For other terminals:
T2 is a (long) walk from T3. Exit the terminal, turn left and follow the signs.
T1 is ~8km by road and takes about 15 minutes by taxi. There is also a shuttle bus outside the terminal which is free if you are a woman or have a boarding pass for an onward flight, and costs INR 25 otherwise. There are no airside connections.
C. International to International transfer
After landing look for the board saying "International Transfers" (DO NOT go through immigration).
1. If you are on a single ticket and already have boarding pass in hand with "DT" (Direct Transfer) printed on it, walk past the transfer desks and go through transit security. Then you can proceed to the departure lounges and gates. Note: if your boarding pass does not have "DT" printed on it, you need to talk to the transfer desk, otherwise the I-I security checkpoint will likely not let you through and send you back to the transfer desk.
2. If you have separate tickets or don't have your onward boarding pass in hand, you have to go to the transfer desk where the airline staff will check documents and issue your onward boarding pass. You cannot check-in online or get an e-Boarding Passes for international flights out of India. Check-in generally opens 4 hours before and closes 60-75 minutes before departure. Then go through transit security as in point 1.
3. There are no priority security lanes in transit security so it is advisable to keep adequate time (>2 hrs) between connecting flights even if you are in F or J.
4. If you have separate tickets, in addition it is advisable to hold an Indian visa or e-visa as you may be denied boarding at origin otherwise.
5. A transit hotel for overnight stays (up to 24 hours) is available after transit security.
I-I transfer desks are open as of August 2022.
Below are the details for transit within T3.
A. Domestic to international transit at T3:
If both your domestic and international flights are on a single ticket, your baggage will be checked through at the origin airport itself and you should get your onward boarding passes there as well.
At DEL there are 5 ways to get from arrivals to departures (one level up), listed here in order of least walking to most walking.
1. Domestic - intl transfer gate: After you deplane from your domestic flight (or get off the bus) and go down the escalator (or stay on the same level coming from a bus) there is a special facility for transit passengers in the hall with the copper hands on the wall (red gate in the image below). It leads directly to immigration counters and security check after which you can access departure gates, lounges etc. Service on this entry point are hit or miss, but will save you a lot of walking. There are AI and AF-KL agents roaming the queues and will fast track you if running late. However, this only works if you already have your boarding pass for your International flight, have checked your luggage through from your point of origin, and have less than 4 hours between your domestic and international flights. If you are on separate tickets, have more than 4 hours for your international flight, or the lines are too long try one of the other options below.
2. Transfer desk in the middle of the arrivals concourse: always crowded. Here you could theoretically drop your bags and take the lift up to the security or checkin desks. Its a night mare, never used it due to crowding.
3. The escalator & lift on the international end: collect your bags, turn LEFT when you exit the first set of doors after the baggage belt. At the complete end of the concourse a lonely CISF jawan polices that way up. S/he will check if you have a international onward ticket/BP or send you packing to the other ways. Once you go up you get into a glass walled holding pen with yet another CISF checkpoint that will only let you nto the checkin area if your flight is in 4h or less.
4. Escalator & lift on the domestic end: collect your bags, turn right when you exit the first set of doors after the baggage belt. At the complete end of the concourse a lonely CISF jawan polices that way up. S/he will check if you have a domestic onward ticket/BP or send you packing to the other ways. Once you go up everything is cordoned off and you are shown out the terminal by the CISF guy sitting at the glass door to the checkin area you end up curbside and have to enter the terminal again.
5. Just walking out as if you want to go to Delhi: here you exit the terminal and pretend to be a regular pax arriving in Delhi. Once you exit there are walk escalators where you push your cart on and get transported to the departure level. Select one of the many gates where there are no major lines and enter the checkin area.
B. International to domestic transit at T3:
For Air India I-D flights where your domestic flight is from AI 010-399 or 900-999, you will follow the procedure for I-I transfers (see this for details). Otherwise follow the procedure given below.
For all other flights, you will go through immigration in Delhi. After immigration you have to collect your bags and go through customs. Then follow steps 3, 4 or 5 in the section above.
Security will generally not allow entry into the domestic terminal until T-4 (four hours before the departure of your flight).
Transit hotel: For overnight transit (int'l flight arriving at night and domestic connection departing following morning), the transit hotel within Terminal 3 (IHG Holiday Inn Express) is perfectly acceptable. And the views of the tarmac when having the included breakfast aren't bad. You need to have a domestic flight departing from T3 in order to use it. The T-4 restriction does not apply to use the transit hotel. But it goes for quite a premium in rates over what the other hotels in the area cost (if willing to exit the terminal building for overnight stays). To reach, turn right after Customs and look for the Holiday Inn Express help desk inside the terminal. Staff will escort you to the hotel and help with other formalities.
For other terminals:
T2 is a (long) walk from T3. Exit the terminal, turn left and follow the signs.
T1 is ~8km by road and takes about 15 minutes by taxi. There is also a shuttle bus outside the terminal which is free if you are a woman or have a boarding pass for an onward flight, and costs INR 25 otherwise. There are no airside connections.
C. International to International transfer
After landing look for the board saying "International Transfers" (DO NOT go through immigration).
1. If you are on a single ticket and already have boarding pass in hand with "DT" (Direct Transfer) printed on it, walk past the transfer desks and go through transit security. Then you can proceed to the departure lounges and gates. Note: if your boarding pass does not have "DT" printed on it, you need to talk to the transfer desk, otherwise the I-I security checkpoint will likely not let you through and send you back to the transfer desk.
2. If you have separate tickets or don't have your onward boarding pass in hand, you have to go to the transfer desk where the airline staff will check documents and issue your onward boarding pass. You cannot check-in online or get an e-Boarding Passes for international flights out of India. Check-in generally opens 4 hours before and closes 60-75 minutes before departure. Then go through transit security as in point 1.
3. There are no priority security lanes in transit security so it is advisable to keep adequate time (>2 hrs) between connecting flights even if you are in F or J.
4. If you have separate tickets, in addition it is advisable to hold an Indian visa or e-visa as you may be denied boarding at origin otherwise.
5. A transit hotel for overnight stays (up to 24 hours) is available after transit security.
Delhi IGI [DEL] connection/departure experience reports
#856
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: India
Programs: Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium, IHG Plat, HH Gold, Trident Plat, DL Diamond, AI Maharajah
Posts: 29,708
I know this is the transfer thread but wasn't able to find another relevant one.
How early do I need to arrive at the airport for an international departure on AI or CX in business departing around 11pm?
I have some commitments in the evening and so I'm trying to see how risky it might be.
How early do I need to arrive at the airport for an international departure on AI or CX in business departing around 11pm?
I have some commitments in the evening and so I'm trying to see how risky it might be.
#857
Join Date: Nov 2023
Posts: 4
LHR-DEL-VNS
I've searched high and low to find a place to put this question and I've decided I'm going to put it here in the hope that one of you can help me.
I am due into Delhi on the morning flight from Heathrow and have a two hour connection time for an Air India flight to Varanasi.
My concern is that the British Airways flight is constantly delayed and my flights are on two separate tickets because one of them is an Avios booking.
if I have little time when I arrive, is there someone who will help wizz me to my new departure gate?
Do you think 40 minutes (in a worst case scenario) is enough time for me to get through immigration and recheck my bags?
if not, are Air India sympathetic in rebooking delayed passengers who are traveling on a separate booking with an unaffiliated airline?
Both flights are in business class if that makes the difference.
I am due into Delhi on the morning flight from Heathrow and have a two hour connection time for an Air India flight to Varanasi.
My concern is that the British Airways flight is constantly delayed and my flights are on two separate tickets because one of them is an Avios booking.
if I have little time when I arrive, is there someone who will help wizz me to my new departure gate?
Do you think 40 minutes (in a worst case scenario) is enough time for me to get through immigration and recheck my bags?
if not, are Air India sympathetic in rebooking delayed passengers who are traveling on a separate booking with an unaffiliated airline?
Both flights are in business class if that makes the difference.
#858
Join Date: May 2004
Location: US
Programs: UA Lifetime Gold, IHG Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 974
I've searched high and low to find a place to put this question and I've decided I'm going to put it here in the hope that one of you can help me.
I am due into Delhi on the morning flight from Heathrow and have a two hour connection time for an Air India flight to Varanasi.
My concern is that the British Airways flight is constantly delayed and my flights are on two separate tickets because one of them is an Avios booking.
if I have little time when I arrive, is there someone who will help wizz me to my new departure gate?
Do you think 40 minutes (in a worst case scenario) is enough time for me to get through immigration and recheck my bags?
if not, are Air India sympathetic in rebooking delayed passengers who are traveling on a separate booking with an unaffiliated airline?
Both flights are in business class if that makes the difference.
I am due into Delhi on the morning flight from Heathrow and have a two hour connection time for an Air India flight to Varanasi.
My concern is that the British Airways flight is constantly delayed and my flights are on two separate tickets because one of them is an Avios booking.
if I have little time when I arrive, is there someone who will help wizz me to my new departure gate?
Do you think 40 minutes (in a worst case scenario) is enough time for me to get through immigration and recheck my bags?
if not, are Air India sympathetic in rebooking delayed passengers who are traveling on a separate booking with an unaffiliated airline?
Both flights are in business class if that makes the difference.
Since you are on business class, immigration is generally shorter, you should get your bags quickly, then proceed to AI check in desk upstairs (same terminal). You can do online check in but still need to deposit the bags at AI check in. Check in with baggage requires atleast 60 minutes, it is possible AI may allow about 5 to 10 minutes leeway if you are already checked in. Once you check in baggage, rest is generally easy, there is a separate line for business class security.
AI may consider rebooking since you are business class but it is on a case by case basis.
#859
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: ORD
Posts: 876
Two hour international to domestic on separate tickets is madness. It's double madness with checked bags. Triple madness knowing that the international arrival is consistently delayed.
Can you make it? Possible yes. Is it advisable to have a booking like this? Absolutely no.
There is a premium meet and greet service that you can book https://www.newdelhiairport.in/meet-greet-services.
Can you make it? Possible yes. Is it advisable to have a booking like this? Absolutely no.
There is a premium meet and greet service that you can book https://www.newdelhiairport.in/meet-greet-services.
#860
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Goa, India
Programs: Marriott Titanium, IHG Plat Ambassador, Hyatt Explorist, Qatar Gold, Vistara Gold
Posts: 1,304
There is a premium meet and greet service that you can book https://www.newdelhiairport.in/meet-greet-services.
#861
Join Date: Jul 2017
Programs: KrisFlyer Gold, Marriott & SPG Plat, Hilton Gold, ShangriLa Jade, Enterprise Plat, Taj Gold
Posts: 3,367
Even if your flight is on time there are massive risks - the time shown is landing time, after that the plane will taxi to the gate and then take additional time to deplane (J will deplane faster). After that you will have to go through immigration (no idea what the queues are like when BA lands), collect your baggage, go back up to departures and check-in with AI.
There is a premium meet and greet service that you can book https://www.newdelhiairport.in/meet-greet-services.
#862
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: India
Programs: Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium, IHG Plat, HH Gold, Trident Plat, DL Diamond, AI Maharajah
Posts: 29,708
#863
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: India
Programs: Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium, IHG Plat, HH Gold, Trident Plat, DL Diamond, AI Maharajah
Posts: 29,708
#865
Join Date: Nov 2023
Posts: 4
Thanks everyone for your replies so far.
I have another question.
Supposedly there is a business class immigration desk at Delhi Airport. Can I use that with an E visa or is it only for use by passengers with paper visas?
Please only reply if you know the definitive answer.
I have another question.
Supposedly there is a business class immigration desk at Delhi Airport. Can I use that with an E visa or is it only for use by passengers with paper visas?
Please only reply if you know the definitive answer.
#866
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: India
Programs: Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium, IHG Plat, HH Gold, Trident Plat, DL Diamond, AI Maharajah
Posts: 29,708
Nope, domestic baggage drop has been revised to 60 mins since a while now.
#867
Join Date: Mar 2005
Programs: IHG Diamond Ambassador, Accor Plat, M&M FTL, BA Blue, QR Gold
Posts: 3,765
What's with the attitude?
If you want the definitive answer, ask the Bureau of Immigration.
Anyway, the eVisa zone is separate from the Fast Track lanes in the general immigration section. You can go there (Fast Track) with an eVisa also, but the eVisa lanes may be faster to start with.
Look for signage on the floor:
If you want the definitive answer, ask the Bureau of Immigration.
Anyway, the eVisa zone is separate from the Fast Track lanes in the general immigration section. You can go there (Fast Track) with an eVisa also, but the eVisa lanes may be faster to start with.
Look for signage on the floor:
Last edited by tom tulpe; Dec 18, 2023 at 2:55 pm Reason: fixed quote
#868
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: United Kingdom
Programs: Skywards Blue :-(, HHonors Gold, SPG Gold, GHA Platinum
Posts: 2,531
The problem is that the airport staff are not enforcing this all the time
I have an OCi which is supposed to be a different queue and that worked very well in October and I was able to clear immigration in around 10 or 15 minutes.. Was very happy after the 2 hrs plus I ended up on my previous trip when they introduced finger prints..
on my last trip last month many e visa holders were also allowed into the OCI queue and e visa takes time to process
Took me over an hour to clear immigration !!
The e visa section ( far end on left side ) was literally empty when I passed through after all this .
so the experience varies depending on the staff on the day
I have an OCi which is supposed to be a different queue and that worked very well in October and I was able to clear immigration in around 10 or 15 minutes.. Was very happy after the 2 hrs plus I ended up on my previous trip when they introduced finger prints..
on my last trip last month many e visa holders were also allowed into the OCI queue and e visa takes time to process
Took me over an hour to clear immigration !!
The e visa section ( far end on left side ) was literally empty when I passed through after all this .
so the experience varies depending on the staff on the day
#869
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: ORD
Posts: 876
The problem is that the airport staff are not enforcing this all the time
I have an OCi which is supposed to be a different queue and that worked very well in October and I was able to clear immigration in around 10 or 15 minutes.. Was very happy after the 2 hrs plus I ended up on my previous trip when they introduced finger prints..
on my last trip last month many e visa holders were also allowed into the OCI queue and e visa takes time to process
Took me over an hour to clear immigration !!
The e visa section ( far end on left side ) was literally empty when I passed through after all this .
so the experience varies depending on the staff on the day
I have an OCi which is supposed to be a different queue and that worked very well in October and I was able to clear immigration in around 10 or 15 minutes.. Was very happy after the 2 hrs plus I ended up on my previous trip when they introduced finger prints..
on my last trip last month many e visa holders were also allowed into the OCI queue and e visa takes time to process
Took me over an hour to clear immigration !!
The e visa section ( far end on left side ) was literally empty when I passed through after all this .
so the experience varies depending on the staff on the day
#870
Join Date: Mar 2023
Programs: AC SE2MM AirCanada Card Amex Cent Bonvoy LT Titanium, IHG Diamond, Hertz Platinum etc etc.
Posts: 36
Avoid DEL I-I
This is a complete crap show
DEL airport authority marketing proclaims:
The airports newly expanded International to International (I-to-I) transfer area at Terminal 3 Arrivals is operational and ready to offer a distinctive experience to international flyers by making their connecting journey pleasant and hassle-free.
Even with a connecting international boarding pass in hand you cannot pass international transfer security.
You have to ask your way around. one desk tells you to go to the second desk who tells you to go to the first desk who told us to talk to the blue lady. The blue lady told us to sit and wait for TG staff who had to validate boarding passes, luggage tags and redo seating.
Priority bags arrived mixed in with regular bags on final destination.
Security is staffed by army people who are verrrrrrryyy meticulous and not at all motivated whatsoever (worse than CATSA YVR!).
The new Encalm lounge was nice and luckily I like Indian food.
There is one female and one male shower operational at this time.
I cant say never again, but Delhi has moved to the bottom of my list of possible transfer airports.
DEL airport authority marketing proclaims:
The airports newly expanded International to International (I-to-I) transfer area at Terminal 3 Arrivals is operational and ready to offer a distinctive experience to international flyers by making their connecting journey pleasant and hassle-free.
Even with a connecting international boarding pass in hand you cannot pass international transfer security.
You have to ask your way around. one desk tells you to go to the second desk who tells you to go to the first desk who told us to talk to the blue lady. The blue lady told us to sit and wait for TG staff who had to validate boarding passes, luggage tags and redo seating.
Priority bags arrived mixed in with regular bags on final destination.
Security is staffed by army people who are verrrrrrryyy meticulous and not at all motivated whatsoever (worse than CATSA YVR!).
The new Encalm lounge was nice and luckily I like Indian food.
There is one female and one male shower operational at this time.
I cant say never again, but Delhi has moved to the bottom of my list of possible transfer airports.