Air India Express Boosts Delhi Airport Operations

Delhi’s IGI Airport will reassign select Air India domestic services to T2 and move Air India Express to T1, while launching a new Indore–Goa daily flight — a strategic shift aimed at smoother terminal operations, better connectivity and fresh market opportunities.

Operational Shift at Delhi IGI: What B2B Travel Planners Should Know

Why the Terminal Reshuffle?

Delhi International Airport Ltd. (DIAL) is expanding Terminal 3 (T3) to boost international capacity. This expansion reduces room for domestic operations at T3, making a shift inevitable. 

To manage this, Air India will relocate 60 of its 180 daily domestic departures to the upgraded Terminal 2 (T2) starting 26 October 2025. Meanwhile, Air India Express will shift its entire domestic network to the refurbished Terminal 1 (T1). 

Notably, all international operations for both airlines stay at T3, preserving continuity for overseas services. 

Key Changes & Passenger Handling

Flight Renumbering & Identification

— Domestic flights assigned to T2 under Air India will adopt a four-digit numbering format starting with “1” (e.g. AI1XXX) to help distinguish their terminal.
— Air India Express domestic flights from T1 may also reflect numbering changes to aid clarity. 

Facilitating Transfers & Baggage Handling

To reduce friction for passengers:

• Shuttle buses will run every 10 minutes across T1, T2, and T3, free of charge.

• Airside through-checked baggage will be seamlessly transferred between terminals where possible, so passengers with connecting flights don’t need to reclaim and recheck their luggage.

• For Passengers with Reduced Mobility (PRM), buggy rides will be available between T2 and T3 to make transfers easier. 

• Ground staff in distinctive t-shirts will be deployed across terminals to guide travellers.
  
  

Bookings & Communication

Air India is proactively notifying affected passengers. Bookings on flight numbers in the AI1XXX series will indicate their new terminal, and reminders will be sent through emails, apps, and during web check-in.

For travel agents and corporate planners, this means:

• Reconfirm terminal details in itineraries

• Flag potential transit issues for clients with tight connections

• Update internal systems and customer communication templates accordingly
  
  
  

Expanding Reach: Indore → Goa Direct Flight

In a parallel move, Air India Express is launching daily non-stop flights between Indore (IDR) and Goa (Dabolim, GOI) starting 26 October 2025.

Timings (local):

• Indore → Goa: 10:55 → 12:35

• Goa → Indore: 13:15 → 14:55 

This route complements their existing services to North Goa and broadens direct access between central India and the west coast. 

As of now, Air India Express connects from Indore to 36 domestic destinations and Sharjah; from Goa it flies to 6 domestic cities and Dubai, also offering one-stop connectivity beyond. 

Strategic Implications & Action Points for B2B Travel Stakeholders

• Optimized Terminal Efficiency
  
  The redistribution aims to balance passenger volumes, decongest T3, and streamline operations for both airlines. For travel agents, this means reworking terminal instructions in booking systems.

• Connectivity Enhancement
  
  The new Indore–Goa route presents fresh packaging and corporate travel opportunities, especially for markets in Madhya Pradesh and Goa. Agents should consider promoting this new link to leisure and MICE segments.

• Operational Risk Management
  
  The terminal changes may introduce transitional uncertainties—shuttle wait times, confusion over new gates, or baggage handling glitches. Maintain buffer margins in connections and plan client advisories.

• Marketing & Co-branding Opportunities
  
  Given the visible rebranding push (such as “Tales of India” liveries), agencies can tie in promotional campaigns emphasizing India’s cultural narratives along with route launches.

• Client Communication is Paramount
  
  Clients must be reminded to check terminal info, especially for transfers or tight schedules, and be reassured about baggage transfer services and shuttle availability.
  
  

Conclusion & Takeaway for You

Delhi’s IGI airport is undergoing a well-orchestrated shift in terminal assignments for Air India and Air India Express starting 26 October 2025. While international operations remain at T3, domestic services are reallocated to T2 (Air India) and T1 (AI Express) with associated flight renumbering, shuttle connectivity, and assistance measures in place. Concurrently, the new Indore-Goa daily service opens fresh route prospects.

For B2B travel agents, corporate planners, and airline partners, this is more than an operational reshuffle — it’s an opportunity to refresh client guidance, create targeted route packages, and reinforce your role as a strategic travel consultant in a changing aviation landscape.

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