Major Changes at Delhi Airport in 2025: What Travelers Need to Know
Traveling through Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport this year? There are some big changes you should be aware of.
Whether you’re flying internationally for business, heading home to India, or simply passing through, 2025 has brought several major upgrades and policy updates to Delhi Airport (IGIA). From increased User Development Fees (UDF) to temporary terminal closures and a proposed US immigration fast-track service, these changes could directly impact your journey.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of what’s new at India’s busiest airport:
1. Increased User Development Fees (UDF)
Starting April 16, 2025, the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA) has approved a revision in UDF at IGIA:
For International Passengers:
– Economy Class: ₹650 (departures), ₹275 (arrivals)
– Business Class: ₹810 (departures), ₹345 (arrivals)
A round trip now costs ₹925 more in economy and ₹1,155 more in business class.
For Domestic Passengers:
– Departures: ₹129
– Arrivals: ₹56
No changes to the existing UDF rates for domestic travelers.
2. Temporary Closure of Terminal 2
To support modernization, Terminal 2 has been temporarily closed from April 2025 for 4–5 months. All affected flights are being shifted to Terminal 1, which was reactivated on March 15, 2025.
Key upgrades underway:
– Autonomous docking aerobridges (first in India)
– Enhanced road connectivity
– Skylit ceilings and flooring improvements
– Runway upgrades with advanced Instrument Landing Systems (ILS) for fog
3. Runway Upgrade Temporarily Paused
In early April 2025, Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) paused its runway upgrade work after extensive flight delays caused public backlash:
Impact: Up to 60% of arrivals and 76% of departures were delayed on a single day due to low visibility and wind-related runway disruptions.
What’s next?: Upgrade work is expected to resume in May 2025.
4. US Pre-Clearance Facility Proposed
One of the most traveler-friendly proposals this year: a US CBP (Customs and Border Protection) pre-clearance facility is being discussed for Delhi Airport.
What it means:
– Indian passengers flying directly to the US can complete immigration in Delhi.
– They will land in the US as domestic passengers, bypassing long queues at US entry points.
Final Thoughts: A Gateway Upgraded
Delhi Airport is clearly positioning itself for the future—with infrastructure modernization, smoother global connectivity, and passenger-centric innovations. While short-term inconveniences like terminal shifts and higher fees might cause a few hiccups, the long-term vision is one of efficiency, technology, and better travel experiences.
Tip for Indian NRIs and frequent flyers:
Double-check your terminal and UDF rates before traveling, and keep an eye out for pre-clearance updates if you’re heading to the US.
Increased User Development Fees (UDF)
🔗 Times of India – Delhi Airport Hikes UDF Charges
🔗 Live From A Lounge – Domestic & International UDF Updates
Terminal 2 Closure & Shift to Terminal 1
🔗 Magicbricks – Terminal 2 to be Closed Temporarily in 2025
Runway Upgrade Temporarily Paused
🔗 Reuters – Runway Upgrade Put on Hold Due to Delays
Proposed US Pre-Clearance Facility at IGIA
🔗 Economic Times – US Pre-Clearance at Delhi Airport Proposed
