/press-releases
  • From Domestic to Global: Pier C unlocks the next phase of international growth
  • International capacity at Terminal 3 to rise by 50%, adding 10 Mn passengers annually
  • Repurposed Pier C to enhance passenger flow and support long‑haul growth
  • Smart technology, wide‑body readiness and passenger‑first design at the core of the upgrade
  • Move aligns with India’s growing global aviation footprint and hub ambitions

New Delhi, April 24, 2026: Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), a GMR Aero-led consortium that manages and operates India’s busiest Delhi Airport, today announced that Pier C at Terminal 3 will commence international operations from the first week of May, marking a significant milestone in enhancing the airport’s international passenger handling capacity and strengthening Delhi Airport’s position as a leading global aviation transit hub.

With the conversion of Pier C, Delhi Airport’s international passenger handling capacity will rise by around 50 per cent, translating to an additional 10 million passengers per annum (MPPA). This will take Terminal 3’s total international capacity to 30–32 MPPA, positioning the airport well to serve growing international traffic in the years ahead.

Pier C has been an integral part of Terminal 3 since the terminal’s inception. Through careful planning, it has been repurposed from domestic to international operations, seamlessly integrating with the existing terminal infrastructure without the need for new construction. The project has focused on unlocking latent capacity, strengthening operational resilience and improving the overall passenger journey experience.

Speaking on the development, CEO DIAL, Mr. Videh Kumar Jaipuriar said, “The transformation of Pier C, from domestic to international, reflects our philosophy of building capacity with foresight-anticipating demand while keeping the passenger experience at the centre. By unlocking existing infrastructure and pairing it with smart technology and thoughtful design, we are creating room for growth that is efficient, scalable and future-ready. This conversion strengthens Delhi Airport’s ability to support long-haul connectivity, airlines’ expansion plans and India’s ambition to be a global aviation hub.”

With the conversion of Pier C, which is expected to increase international peak‑hour handling capacity by nearly 50 per cent, DIAL has also introduced key upgrades to enhance departure and arrival efficiency and reduce waiting times at critical touchpoints. These include:

  • 12 new Self‑Baggage Drop (SBD) counters, helping improve check‑in efficiency by around 10%, which will take the number of SBDs in T3 to 26
  • 20 emigration counters, including Trusted Traveller Programme (TTP) counters
  • Five Automatic Tray Retrieval System (ATRS) lanes and dual‑view X‑BIS machines for faster security screening
  • 16 boarding gates converted for international operations
  • 40 additional Bureau of Immigration (BOI) counters in arrivals
  • Three new escalators and four lifts to facilitate smoother passenger and goods movement

The conversion of Pier C also strengthens airside operations by improving stand availability and gate allocation for international flights. With 16 Code‑C stands and associated gates, the pier will support faster aircraft turnarounds and greater operational flexibility, contributing to more reliable on‑time performance.

Importantly, Pier C enhances Delhi Airport’s readiness for wide‑body and next‑generation aircraft, including the A350, increasing wide‑body stand availability for international operations by around 40 per cent. This aligns closely with the fleet expansion plans of both Indian and international carriers as long‑haul and ultra‑long‑haul travel continues to grow.

Beyond infrastructure and capacity, Pier C has been designed with a clear focus on comfort and choice. Passengers can look forward to an expanded mix of retail and food & beverage offerings, including luxury brands, first-time-at-airport labels, and globally recognised international food chains, to be introduced in a phased manner. In addition, lounges, spa services, vending machines, and mobile charging points will be introduced progressively to further enhance the airport experience.

To ensure minimal disruption to ongoing airport operations, the construction activities for the conversion were carried out through careful zoning and barricading.

India’s international air traffic is expected to grow at around 7 per cent in the medium term, and Delhi Airport, handling the country’s largest share of international passengers, plays a pivotal role in enabling this growth. The conversion of Pier C provides adequate international capacity for the next 8–10 years, aligned with India’s expanding presence on the global aviation map.

Stand and gate allocation at Pier C will continue to be guided by operational requirements, flight schedules, passenger experience considerations and regulatory norms, ensuring optimal utilisation of the enhanced infrastructure.

With the conversion of Pier C, Delhi Airport continues its steady, purposeful preparation for the future of international travel, focused on connectivity, efficiency and a seamless journey from curb to cabin.

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 giving shape to 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 the largest private airport operator in Asia and the second-largest globally, GAL served over 120 million passengers in FY25 with a steadfast commitment to excellence in airport management as reflected in its consistent rankings for services by ACI and Skytrax. With a robust presence in India and Southeast Asia, the company operates key gateways such as Delhi, Hyderabad, Goa, and Medan airports, while extending its technical services to Mactan Cebu International Airport in the Philippines. GAL is also developing transformative projects like the greenfield airports in Bhogapuram (Visakhapatnam), India, and 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 https://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

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