How a wartime British airfield became one of the world's busiest aviation hubs
In short: Indira Gandhi International Airport began as a military staging ground during the Second World War. Today, it is a massive, multi-terminal engine of global transit, handling over 79 million passengers annually. From its origins as RAF Palam to its current status as a premier international gateway, its evolution is remarkable.
Established by the British in 1943 as RAF Palam, the site served as a vital staging ground for Allied aerial operations across Asia. Following India's independence, the facility transitioned to the Indian Air Force before eventually moving to civilian management under the Airports Authority of India. A major turning point occurred in May 2006, when operational control was transferred to Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), a private consortium led by the GMR Group.
The airport's growth accelerated rapidly in the 21st century to meet surging demand. The 2010 inauguration of Terminal 3, a massive 6.4 million square foot facility, cemented the airport's status as South Asia's largest aviation hub. By 2024, the airport had achieved a record-breaking throughput of over 79.2 million passengers. This expansion has been supported by significant infrastructure investments, including the 2023 completion of a fourth runway and the innovative Eastern Cross Taxiways, which drastically reduce aircraft transit times.
Today, the airport is a complex, multi-modal ecosystem. It is the first in India to operate entirely on solar and hydro power and features advanced systems like airport collaborative decision making to maintain efficiency. With ongoing developments—such as the redevelopment of Terminal 1 and plans for future terminals—the airport continues to scale. It now connects directly to 150 global destinations, serving as a critical node in the international aviation network while navigating the unique challenges of its dense urban environment.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Indira Gandhi International Airport
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