Air India Shifts 60 Flights to Delhi Terminal 2 from Oct 26

 Air India is relocating 60 of its daily domestic departures from Terminal 3 to the renovated Terminal 2, effective 26 October 2025. Air India Express will operate its domestic services from Terminal 1. These moves are timed with T2’s reopening and the winter schedule

What’s changing — the headline facts

• Effective date: 26 October 2025 (start of winter schedule).

• Scope: 60 of Air India’s ~180 daily domestic departures will operate from T2.

• Flight numbering: Air India domestic flights moved to T2 will be renumbered into four digits prefixed with “1” (e.g., AI1XXX).

• Air India Express: All AI Express domestic flights will operate from Terminal 1 (often carrying four-digit numbers beginning with “9”).
  
  

How passengers (and your clients) will be notified

Air India says it will contact affected passengers directly using the contact details from their bookings, but it’s best practice for agencies to proactively confirm terminal details at ticketing and again 24 hours before departure. Press statements stress that no passenger action is required — though agents should still verify connecting itineraries.

Terminal transfers & logistics — operational details for planners

• Inter-terminal transport: DIAL will provide free shuttle buses approximately every 10 minutes connecting T1, T2 and T3. This is the primary transfer option for tight connections.

• Walking time: Terminals 2 and 3 are within a short walking distance (roughly 10–15 minutes on foot, depending on gates). Use this where feasible for mobile or assisted passengers.

• Buggy/assistance: Wheelchair and reduced-mobility assistance (buggy services) are available between terminals on request. Confirm in advance for clients who need it.

• Baggage handling: If a passenger’s bags are through-checked, they will be transferred airside. If not through-checked, the traveller must collect and re-check baggage at the new terminal’s check-in area. Agents should flag connection types on PNRs to avoid surprises.

Connection scenarios — step-by-step notes for agents & consolidators

• International arrival (T3) → domestic departure (T2):

  • Clear immigration & collect checked baggage at T3.

  • Use transfer desk or head to T2 check-in to re-drop baggage if it wasn’t through-checked.

• Domestic arrival (T2) → international departure (T3):

  If bags were through-checked at origin, passengers can proceed to T3; otherwise they must collect and recheck at T3.

• Domestic (T2) ↔ Domestic (T3):

  Confirm whether the original itinerary included through-checked bags. If yes, transfers are seamless; if not, allow time for baggage reclaim and recheck.

Practical checklist for B2B travel professionals (quick action items)

• Update PNR notes and internal booking systems to reflect the AI1XXX renumbering rule for affected flights.

• Alert corporate travel teams and consolidators about the Terminal changes; recommend reconfirming terminal details at T-24 hrs.

• For clients with tight connections (<90–120 minutes), proactively reroute or add buffer time; consider alternative flights staying in the same terminal.

• Note baggage rules on client itineraries (through-check vs. manual re-check) and add transfer guidance to e-tickets.

• Coordinate with ground-handling partners: confirm buggy availability, priority transfer procedures, and how recheck desks will be staffed on day one.
  
  

Why this matters for your business

Terminal reshuffles create operational friction for corporate travellers and groups. As a travel agent, consolidator, or TMC: anticipate customer queries, streamline post-booking communications, and bake extra transfer time into proposals. Proactive guidance reduces missed connections and protects your NPS.

Conclusion — key takeaway for B2B partners

The T2 relaunch and Air India’s partial move is manageable, but it’s a classic operational risk area for tight connections and group travel. Update systems to reflect new flight numbers, communicate terminal details early and often, and confirm baggage transfer status at booking — these small steps protect clients and save your support team time on day-of travel.

Want more travel updates like this? Follow our updates at blog.agentbazar.in and transform how you support your clients at every stage of travel.