New Delhi, September 9, 2026: In preparation for the anticipated increase in international air traffic associated with the upcoming 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi, Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) is augmenting its international passenger-handling capacity at Terminal 3 of Indira Gandhi International Airport.
As part of the preparedness measures, Pier C at Terminal 3 will be progressively operationalised for international flight operations from the night of September 9, 2026, following completion of all requisite security and operational checks and clearances.
Pier C will facilitate international arrivals, with both international arrivals and departures planned to be handled from the evening of September 10 onwards. The phased operationalisation will provide additional flexibility and capacity to manage the expected increase in international movements during the summit period. Once fully operational, annual capacity for International passengers will increase by 50%, to 31 MPPA.
The move is part of DIAL’s comprehensive preparedness plan, undertaken in close coordination with CISF, Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), airlines, ground-handling agencies, immigration, customs and other key airport stakeholders, to ensure seamless and secure airport operations during the high-profile international event.
The 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit is being hosted in New Delhi from September 11 to 13, 2026, with Bharat Mandapam serving as the main venue. The summit is expected to bring together leaders and senior delegations from BRICS member and partner countries, along with heads of international organisations and business representatives.
Pradeep Panicker, CEO, Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), said: “Delhi Airport is fully geared up to welcome leaders, dignitaries and international delegations arriving in the national capital for the BRICS Summit. We have undertaken comprehensive preparedness measures in close coordination with all our security and operational stakeholders to ensure that the airport is able to efficiently manage the anticipated increase in international traffic while maintaining the highest standards of safety, security and passenger experience.
“The operationalisation of Pier C further strengthens our international handling capability at Terminal 3 and provides us with additional flexibility during this important global event. Our teams are working round-the-clock to ensure seamless airport operations and a smooth experience for all passengers and visitors.”
The additional international capacity at Terminal 3 is part of DIAL’s broader efforts to strengthen Delhi Airport’s ability to cater to the growing international aviation demand. The conversion of Pier C for international operations has increased the international handling capability of Terminal 3 and enhances its ability to accommodate next-generation and wide-body aircraft.
DIAL has also put in place enhanced coordination mechanisms with all relevant stakeholders to ensure operational continuity and a seamless experience for passengers throughout the summit period.
About GMR Airports Limited (Formerly GMR Airports Infrastructure Limited)
GMR Airports Limited (GAL) is a leading global airport platform company with over two decades of experience in designing, constructing, and operating world-class sustainable airports. Under the brand name “GMR AERO”, it offers pioneering aviation solutions in retail, aero services, and real estate. Groupe ADP joined the journey in 2020 as a strategic partner and is now a co-promoter in GAL.
As a platform business, GAL also provides a range of aero services including Duty Free, Retail, F&B, Cargo, Car Parking, O&M, and PMC services. Through its innovative Aerotropolis concept, it develops cutting-edge airport cities, shaping best-in-class real estate developments in South Asia. GAL operates India's largest third-party Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility through its subsidiary, GMR Air Cargo and Aerospace Engineering Limited ensuring operational excellence across the Asia Pacific region.
GMR Innovex, a GMR Group entity, is developing and introducing a range of digital solutions to enhance the passenger journey and airport experience. Through GMR Aero Academy and GMR School of Aviation, the company is creating the talent pool necessary to drive the growth of the aviation sector in India (the third largest in the world).
As one of the largest private airport operators in the world, GMR Airports Limited (GAL) served over 121 million passengers in FY26. Its commitment to operational excellence and service quality has been consistently recognized by ACI and Skytrax. With seven operational airport assets across India and overseas, GAL manages key aviation gateways including Delhi, Hyderabad, Goa, Nagpur, Bidar, and Visakhapatnam (Vizag) Airport in India, as well as Medan Airport in Indonesia. It is also extending technical services to the Mactan-Cebu International Airport in the Philippines. Further strengthening its global footprint, GAL is developing a transformative greenfield airport project in Crete, Greece.
GMR Group, the promoter of GAL has a significant presence in Energy, Transportation, Urban Infrastructure, and Sports. Through its CSR arm, GMR Varalakshmi Foundation, GMR supports local communities, reflecting its commitment to improving quality of life by enhancing skills, providing education, and developing healthcare infrastructure and services.
Groupe ADP develops and manages airports, including Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Paris-Orly, and Paris-Le Bourget. In 2025, the group handled through its brand Paris Aéroport 107 million passengers at Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Paris-Orly, and nearly 379 million passengers in airports in France and abroad. Boasting an exceptional geographic location and a major catchment area, the Group is pursuing its strategy of adapting and modernizing its terminal facilities and upgrading the quality of services; the group also intends to develop its retail and real estate businesses. In 2025, group revenue stood at €6,704 million and net income at €382 million.
For further information about GMR Group, visit http://www.gmrgroup.com
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For further details, please contact:
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- Subhendu Ray
- Sarvottamjee M Jaipuriar
- Corporate Communications
- Corporate Communications, GMR Group
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