Delhi Airport

I have travelled through IGI more times than I can count. Many people complain about the tight security but I feel it is required. The food is relatively expensive. I am not giving a good review just because I am Indian. Generally I am the first person to criticise things in India.

We were on transit at Delhi airport for 7.5 hours while flying from Kathmandu to Narita. The whole setup is flawed and we were stuck there for more then 2 hours to get a boarding pass. Again - it happened at 6 pm and we waited until 8 pm to get the boarding passes. After getting the pass we went to security check. The guard/police sent us back to the desks to get something called Delhi Transfer (DT) written on our boarding pass. When we returned to the desk the lady wrote down DT using a pen. What a farce! Try to avoid Delhi if possible. There is no service and there were half-a-dozen people doing the job or one or two max.

Have travelled a few times through T3 and every time the experience has been quite good and hassle-free. This time arrived at 5.30 am from Helsinki and connected to an Air India domestic at 9 am. Bags were out quickly and immigration was a breeze then quickly upstairs to Air India departures with a security check on the way upstairs - we were at the Air India counter by 6.30 am and had plenty of time until AI departure that was on time. The same story on the way back to Helsinki: easy and hassle-free. Maybe this is due to the fact that Finnair lands in Delhi in the morning instead of midnight and takes off at 10.45 am when there is not that much international traffic at T3. Moreover there are some pleasant eateries and cafes there plus great views to the runways to do some plane spotting. Cannot understand some very negative feedback from fellow travellers about Delhi Int'l Airport. Sure Delhi cannot compete with Hong Kong Singapore Changi KLIA or Bangkok Suvarnabhumi but it's still modern bright rather functional and clean. Security is tight but when you know this beforehand you shouldn't encounter any major problems at Delhi Int'l Airport.

Visited this airport only once and I have to say by far the worst experience ever. Seats broken limited facilities very tight security (especially for us Pakistanis) and a very dirty airport. Stopped there for 3 hours and couldn't bear a minute within the airport at all.

We arrived here on a Virgin flight and generally the airport experience was ok. It took about 35 minutes to get through immigration but the queue was constantly moving albeit slowly. There were plenty of free baggage carts available and clean free toilets although in both cases it did not stop an airport employee trying to get a tip because we wanted to use the free service. Our bags were on the belt when we got through immigration and leaving the airport was easy. We then flew internal from T3 and it was surprisingly easy and orderly. Very short queues pleasant staff and seats in the waiting area for our delayed flight. The drive from central Delhi to the airport took about 30 minutes but the roads were relatively jam free for Delhi on a mid Monday morning. Arriving back a few days later at the Domestic Terminal we were quickly bussed to the terminal our luggage arrived within minutes (it was a full jet so we were prepared for a long wait) and we were quickly out of the terminal past the numerous food stalls outside. Departing from T3 a couple of days later to London was a struggle. Check-in was fast but the queue for immigration took 30 minutes and that for security took nearly an hour – the problem being not enough staff on duty for all of the scanners (and this was at a peak departure time). From arriving at the airport to getting to the gate to 2 ¼ hours. Once airside it was calm and peaceful and we took off on schedule.

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!