Delhi Airport’s Big Expansion: New Pier E, Higher Capacity and Future T4 Plans

Delhi airport is preparing for a major capacity expansion as rising passenger volumes put pressure on its existing infrastructure. Under the proposed 10-year master plan through 2036, the airport’s annual passenger-handling capacity is planned to rise from 106 million to 125 million by 2032.

The expansion will be implemented in stages. DIAL proposes raising capacity to 116 million by April 2030, before reaching 125 million two years later. A key project is Pier E at Terminal 3 (T3), planned for completion by April 2030 with capacity to handle 10 million passengers annually. A pier provides additional aircraft stands and aerobridge access, allowing terminals to process more passengers efficiently.

Delhi airport currently operates three terminals. T1 can handle 42 million passengers annually, T2 14 million and T3 50 million, giving the airport its present 106-million capacity. T3 has 19 million domestic and 31 million international capacity, while international operations are concentrated at T3. Pier C has also been converted for international operations, strengthening the airport’s ability to accommodate overseas traffic.

The need for expansion is underscored by recent traffic. Delhi airport handled 6 million passengers in July 2026, up 3.7 per cent from a year earlier. Passenger traffic during April-July of the financial year 2026-27 reached 26.4 million. With air travel demand expected to grow over the coming decade, building capacity ahead of congestion is becoming increasingly important.

The master plan is also keeping longer-term options open. Terminal 4 has not been approved as an immediate project. If traffic growth creates a need for additional capacity, DIAL could consider converting T2 into T4.

Similarly, no immediate decision has been taken on the proposed 7.5-km Automated Passenger Mover (APM). The master plan will preserve a right of way for the system, which could eventually provide seamless connections between T1 and other terminals.

Overall, Delhi’s strategy is to expand existing infrastructure first, while retaining T4 and the APM as demand-driven options through 2036. This approach balances growth, investment and operational flexibility.