Which flights take off from Terminal 3 Delhi?

Complete Guide to Airlines and Destinations Operating from IGI Airport Terminal 3

Terminal 3 at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport in Delhi stands as one of the world’s largest and busiest airport terminals, serving as the primary gateway for both international and domestic air travel in India’s capital. Understanding which flights operate from this massive terminal can significantly enhance your travel experience and planning process.

Terminal 3: The Hub of Delhi Airport Operations

Terminal 3, inaugurated in 2010, functions as an integrated facility handling both international and domestic flights under one roof. This architectural marvel spans over 5.4 million square feet, making it the eighth-largest passenger terminal building globally. The terminal’s design facilitates seamless passenger flow between international and domestic operations, though they maintain separate processing areas for security and customs requirements.

International Airlines Operating from Terminal 3

Major Global Carriers

Terminal 3 serves as the exclusive hub for all international flights entering and departing Delhi. The comprehensive list of international airlines includes:

North American Airlines:

• Air Canada – Serving Montreal-Trudeau and Toronto-Pearson
• American Airlines – Operating flights to New York-JFK
• United Airlines – Connecting to Newark

European Airlines:

• British Airways – London-Heathrow route
• Air France – Paris-Charles de Gaulle connections
• KLM – Amsterdam services
• Lufthansa – Frankfurt and Munich routes
• Swiss International Air Lines – Zurich connections
• Virgin Atlantic – London-Heathrow flights
• LOT Polish Airlines – Warsaw-Chopin services
• ITA Airways – Rome-Fiumicino route

Middle Eastern Airlines:

• Emirates – Dubai International services
• Etihad Airways – Abu Dhabi connections
• Qatar Airways – Doha flights
• flydubai – Dubai International routes
• Gulf Air – Bahrain services
• Kuwait Airways – Kuwait City flights
• Oman Air – Muscat connections
• Saudia – Jeddah and Riyadh routes

Asian Airlines:

• Singapore Airlines – Singapore connections
• Cathay Pacific – Hong Kong services
• Thai Airways International – Bangkok-Suvarnabhumi route
• Malaysia Airlines – Kuala Lumpur International
• All Nippon Airways – Tokyo-Haneda flights
• Japan Airlines – Tokyo-Haneda services
• Korean Air – Seoul-Incheon connections

Domestic Airlines and Routes from Terminal 3

Primary Domestic Carriers

While Terminal 3 handles international flights exclusively, it also serves as the domestic hub for several major Indian carriers:

Air India – India’s national carrier operates extensive domestic services from Terminal 3, connecting Delhi to major cities including:

• Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata
• Hyderabad, Pune, Goa, Kochi
• Amritsar, Chandigarh, Jammu, Srinagar
• Regional destinations like Imphal, Dibrugarh, Port Blair

Air India Express operates domestic routes from Terminal 3 to destinations such as:

• Bengaluru, Mumbai, Pune, Goa
• Amritsar, Srinagar, Guwahati, Kochi
• Patna, Ranchi, Indore, Lucknow

Vistara (now merged with Air India) previously operated as a full-service domestic carrier from Terminal 3

IndiGo – Select domestic flights operate from Terminal 3, though the majority of IndiGo’s domestic operations utilize Terminal 1. Terminal 3 IndiGo flights serve destinations including:

• Major metros: Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad
• Regional cities: Goa, Pune, Kochi, Amritsar, Chandigarh

SpiceJet – Specific flights with four-digit flight numbers starting with “8” operate from Terminal 3, while other domestic SpiceJet flights use Terminal 1. Terminal 3 SpiceJet destinations include:

• Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad
• Goa, Pune, Kolkata, Ahmedabad
• International destinations: Bangkok, Dubai, Jeddah

Akasa Air – India’s newest airline operates domestic flights from Terminal 3 to:

• Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune
• Goa, Ahmedabad, Ayodhya

Cargo and Charter Operations

Terminal 3 also accommodates various cargo airlines and charter operations, though these primarily utilize dedicated cargo facilities located approximately 1 kilometer from the main passenger terminal.

International Destinations Served from Terminal 3

Popular International Routes

The extensive international network from Terminal 3 covers virtually every continent:

Asia-Pacific:

• Bangkok, Singapore, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Seoul
• Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi
• Dhaka, Colombo, Kathmandu, Male

Middle East:

• Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Kuwait City
• Muscat, Bahrain, Riyadh, Jeddah
• Tehran, Baghdad, Basra

Europe:

• London, Paris, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Zurich
• Rome, Vienna, Copenhagen, Helsinki
• Warsaw, Moscow, Baku

North America:

• New York, Toronto, Vancouver, San Francisco
• Chicago, Newark, Montreal

Africa:

• Addis Ababa, Cairo, Mauritius

Terminal 3 Operating Guidelines and Procedures

Check-in and Processing Times

International flights require passengers to arrive 3 hours before departure, while domestic flights mandate 2 hours early arrival. Terminal 3’s sophisticated infrastructure includes multiple check-in zones, automated kiosks, and dedicated counters for different service classes.

Immigration and Security

All international passengers must complete immigration procedures at Terminal 3, regardless of their final destination. The terminal features dedicated fast-track channels for premium passengers and connecting flights.

Baggage Handling

Terminal 3 operates state-of-the-art baggage handling systems with multiple carousel belts serving both international and domestic operations. The integrated design allows for efficient baggage transfers between international and domestic flights within the same terminal.

Facilities and Amenities at Terminal 3

Passenger Lounges

Terminal 3 houses numerous premium lounges including:

• Air India lounges for premium passengers
• Plaza Premium lounges for various airlines
• Emirates lounge for Emirates passengers
• Multiple third-party lounges accessible through day passes

Dining and Shopping

The terminal features extensive dining options ranging from quick service outlets to fine dining restaurants, alongside comprehensive shopping facilities including duty-free stores for international travelers.

Ground Transportation

Terminal 3 connects directly to the Delhi Metro Airport Express Line, providing rapid transit to central Delhi in approximately 18 minutes. Additional transportation includes prepaid taxis, app-based ride services, and hotel shuttle buses.

Important Travel Considerations

Terminal Verification

Always verify your specific terminal assignment on your boarding pass or airline confirmation, as operational requirements occasionally necessitate terminal changes. This is particularly important for SpiceJet domestic flights, which may operate from either Terminal 1 or Terminal 3 depending on the flight number.

Inter-terminal Transfers

For passengers requiring transfers between terminals, complimentary shuttle bus services operate continuously between all three terminals. Transfer times typically range from 10-20 minutes depending on traffic conditions.

Special Services

Terminal 3 accommodates passengers with special needs, including wheelchair services, assisted mobility, and dedicated check-in counters for passengers requiring additional assistance.

Terminal 3 at Delhi Airport represents the pinnacle of modern aviation infrastructure in India, seamlessly handling millions of passengers annually while maintaining high standards of service and efficiency. Whether traveling domestically or internationally, understanding Terminal 3’s operations ensures a smoother and more enjoyable travel experience through one of Asia’s premier aviation hubs.

The terminal continues to evolve with technological advances and expanded services, reinforcing its position as a critical gateway connecting India with the world while serving as a testament to the country’s growing aviation sector and international connectivity.