Delhi Airport

Signage is a bit of a problem at Delhi Airport T3. Also the flight information display at the Departure level does not show Arrivals and vice versa. The Radisson Hotel in Mahipalpur where those transiting through Delhi often rest and relax has no flight info displays. Same with the low cost airline terminal. However the Airport is big and spacious and the roads leading to the airport wide and traffic free. A far cry from the former T2.

I've been twice in the last 3 months and it is 2 times too many. I avoid coming to India as much as possible just because of the experience at the airport coming back. The security staff think that the airport is a prison and not a service. The first time I assumed since my airline allowed me to have my boarding pass on my phone/email that I could print it out at the check in or service counters. This is a big mistake as some people have already said. Armed guards will not allow you into the airport without this piece of paper. You can print in an office next to the airport if you have cash. Second time I learned that even with a printed boarding pass it is not enough. If you have no luggage (just hand luggage) you still need to queue for another boarding pass. Both situations could have been avoided by clear communication at time of checking in or at the airport. Leave plenty of time for queuing. You will queue to get into the airport to get your boarding pass to get through passport check to get through security military-style to get through security airline-style oh and there is one final check at the gate of the plane. On Friday I saw somebody refused past that check because there laptop bag had a security tag but no security stamp. I'm not opposed to queuing but the hostility is incredible and the process is slow. I have a lasting memory of seeing 3 booths out of 10 occupied with long queues. One of these the guy was having a nap with his legs on the desk. Somehow if you believe the hype this airport has a great rating. I think it's a horrible experience.

I have travelled through T3 thrice and luckily each experience had been great. The airport is huge swanky and gives an impression of modern India a truly world class airport. The only thing I regret is the security staff wish they get versed in English language and learn how to be chivalrous and genteel with the passengers. Rest it's an overall great experience with nice shops eateries prayer area and other facilities. The airport was a huge surprise. Impressive gateway to Delhi!

Very good experience overall reading some of the people's review regarding security too tight? I rather be safe than sorry. Food was great and prices were reasonable. Some people complaining about prices compare them to Frankfurt or London! We were out in less then hour incl our duty free shopping. Best prices on duty free!

I have been through Delhi airport International and Domestic departure and arrival recently. I am impressed with the facilities better than I expected. At international arrival hall staff are helping people to get luggage I was impressed with their professionalism and helpful attitude. Domestic arrival hall is bit different no staff helping people with luggage still very smooth process. Both international and domestic departure process are similar with other international airports. Here are the downsides. Security is very very tight at Delhi airport. I can understand the reason why but surely these security staff could be more professional and friendly. They are just simply rude! Wifi is only for Indian mobile phone holders they could at least learn from Chinese airport to get temp password if you present your passport. All food and other products are pretty expensive for Indian standard. End of the day it is the people make you feel good not a big departure hall!

While coming from Canada to India I faced three major issues. 1 Being an international airport they expect you to have a mobile connection for wifi access. How do they expect an international traveller to have a mobile connection. Having visited 5-6 international airport around the world I have never seen such restriction. 2 A long queue at immigration always see officers busy chatting with each other. 3 The food is extremely expensive. They should keep the price in accordance with Indian price range. 4 Cleanliness etc. are good but above shortcomings were big enough to make me ignore them.

I transited Delhi on 19th October and 11th November en route to and from Kathmandu. I can only say that I was most impressed. The airport is clean and well laid out and the staff are polite and courteous. On my return journey I availed myself of the executive lounge where I was able to enjoy a refreshing shower followed by a satisfying meal.

In short Delhi airport has been a short and a sweet experience for me in comparison to other airports around the world that look more like a shopping complex than an airport. In my experience it took me less than 30 mins to get out of the airport not a single queue until luggage collection point. I like departures security at the airport gates do not allow any unnecessary people to enter the airport except travellers. Staff helpful and friendly. At check-in they provide help with your luggage. Before you go for immigration there are at three points where you are told about immigration forms. A short and a nice collection of duty free with food court.

Transited Varanasi-Delhi-London. On arrival at the domestic terminal there are no signs to the international terminal. You have to follow a worn line on the floor to a wooden desk outside the terminal where an airport employee (not wearing a uniform or an ID) inspects your onward ticket and writes you a chit. You then take the chit and walk to an unmarked bus stop (beside a bridge in the open air) where a shuttle bus takes you to the international terminal. The shuttle bus has its quota of scam artists who try to "help" you with your luggage and then demand a tip. On arrival at the international terminal you have to show your ticket to the Indian army personnel just to get inside (we had to try to get in three times as the soldiers at the first two gates had apparently never seen BA tickets before). You must also go through another five security checks as well as running the gauntlet of Indian immigration. By a long shot the worst airport I've ever had to transit though.

Terminal 3. Facilities are okay and washrooms are constantly cleaned. Food court is okay the food court in domestic departures has more choice than the food court in international departures which is strange. My main negative point is the attitude of the security and immigration staff. They treat you as a 'thing' and don't speak a word to you. Seems like they don't know the basic words like 'hello' 'please' 'thank you'. If I were airport management I would give them some training sessions communication and people skills!