Dummies Guide to IGI Delhi Airport India

Dummies Guide to DELHI Airport

This is a Dummies guide to Airports in India.

Airports are cities in them self and people are can get lost in them, they are like 7 star hotels with every thing thrown in them, I can not say the same about airports in India. I am writing this for people who will come to India so that they have a knowledge of the airports before hand.

Most of the Indian airports are vintage the Delhi airport from where the Private airlines depart is a vintage WW-2 era airport , Delhi is getting a new airport and work is going on at a killing speed the government has asked a private consortium GMR-FRAPO to make this airport and it will be the best in Asia and far east, till then we all have to make do with what we have a patched up airport with basic amenities. The IGI domestic airport is divided in three parts.

Terminal -1-A Departure: All domestic flights of the Indian national carrier now known as INDIAN (earlier known as Indian Airlines) and Kingfisher Airlines fly from here, so remember when you book a flight by Indian or King Fisher then go to Terminal- 1A- IGI Domestic Airport.

This a relatively a well organized and a very small departure terminal , this building was build when the old terminal caught fire, it is small so , has got a small parking, it has a ATM inside (only one) and has coffee shops and a business class lounge inside.

Both Indian and King Fisher have ticket and information window’s before you enter inside the terminal. Immediately after entry you will see the X-RAY machines, show your ticket and get your baggage X-RAYD make sure you get it strapped and they put a security clear sticker on it.Then get your boarding card and head for the security hold area, once inside relax and enjoy (Alcohol is not served on any flight in India however you can have a drink at the (King Fisher lounge J )

Terminal-1 B Departure: This is the vintage WW-2 departure terminal where a lot of patch work has been done and if you are looking for some peace of mind forget it when you come here it is a battle and you have to win it, this terminal has all the private airlines departures like Jet airways, Jet Lite, Deccan airways, Spice jet, MDLR airlines and Go air and Indigo. Apart from Jet airways all are Low Cost Carriers, it is a royal mess on a day when flights are delayed or late or canceled due to fog, which is just at the corner.

This is the most crowded terminal, you will see long lines (during rush hours) to get inside and once inside then another line to get your baggage X-RAYED and then a line at the counter, it can drive you mad, so have an I-POD or a book to maintain your sanity or you will go mad.

The moment you get down from your cab look a little up and you will boards hanging from the top where you will see the names of the airlines and the gate numbers, so head for the gate show your passport and ticket and head for the airline controlled X-RAY , get your baggage strapped and make sure the security check sticker is put on your bag.

REMEMBER DO NOT KEEP ANY KIND OF CASH, JEWELRY, IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS or VALUABLES IN YOUR CHECKED BAGGAGE, in case of loss the airline don’t take any kind of responsibility for it.

Head for the counter and get your boarding card don't forget to get your hand baggage tags, now the problem starts the lines for security check are quite long and when you reach there make sure you take what ever you are carrying in your hand baggage and your cell phone on a tray to be x-rayed, then head for the frisking booth ( ladies are frisked separately) get your boarding card stamped and your hand baggage tag’s stamped by the A.P.S.U. (airport security unit) Remember you don’t have a stamp on your boarding card or hand baggage tag, you will not be allowed to board.

It is a very small security hold area so first grab some thing to eat and then grab a seat and wait for your boarding call.

Departing from Delhi’s terminal 1B can be an experience of a life time. Be at the airport 3 hours before the departure and be prepared to wait for delayed departures as winters are approaching “ fog station” will be declared in some time….

Before I close this beware of touts when you get down at terminal-1B, there is no charge for trolleys don’t let any one hold the trolley for you or take it till the gate... these guys are touts, look out any airline staff to guide you.

When you face the terminal building the Airport Managers office will be on your left just after the Nescafe coffee booth. (there will be a duty airport manager there, if you have a complain or are facing a problem they will help you out)

Any question then leave comments and I will reply back .…. Here's wishing you a happy landing….

Note:Please don't follow the dummies guide word by word, this is as real as it gets, as the airport is under construction,actual places may change and for that please don't hold me responsible.

VT on security