The next time you hire a cab to take you to the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi, feel proud. The airport has been adjudged the world’s best airport in 2014 under the category of handling 25 to 40 million passengers per year. The Airport Service Quality (ASQ) award has been presented to a 13-member team of IGI airport on April 28, 2015 by Airports Council International (ACI).
Delhi’s IGI airport scored an impressive 4.90 on a scale of 5 in ACI’s airport service quality benchmarking programme. The survey, which was carried out by 300 members of ACI, takes into account a total of 34 service areas. These include accessibility, check-in, airport facilities, security, food and beverage, and even retail. ASQ helps in understanding ways to increase passenger satisfaction and is crucial in improving business performance.
We take a look at 8 important and interesting facts about the IGI airport which will help you understand why the airport has emerged as a winner in the 25 to 40 million annual passengers category. Let’s know more about the world’s best airport!
Nomenclature
The airport was built during World War II and was initially known as RAF (Royal Air Force) Airport. Civil operations were moved from Safdarjung Airport to Palam Airport in 1962. An additional Terminal 2 was added on May 2, 1986 when the airport was renamed as Indira Gandhi International Airport or IGIA.
It’s Huge
IGI airport (IGIA) is spread over an area of 5,106 acres which comes to around 2,066 hectares. This is equivalent to almost 4,000 football fields. Let that settle for a while.
Busy as a Bee
In 2014-15, Delhi airport catered to as many as 40 million passengers. These passengers were flown to 58 domestic and 62 international destinations. That’s equivalent to Argentina’s total population and nearly four times the population of Greece.
Well Equipped
The IGIA is home to six domestic carriers and 56 international carriers. Moreover, the airport is also capable of handling the giant Airbus A380 aircraft.
Handlers
Not many people know this, but the IGI airport was first handled by the Indian Air Force before management was passed over to Airports Authority of India (AAI). Then, in May 2006, the management of the airport was transferred to Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL).
Terminal 3 Buzz
IGI airport’s Terminal 3 or T3 opened for operations in 2010. The terminal has been constructed using the very advanced ‘North Light’ concept which increases illumination while cutting down on solar gain. It has a passenger capacity of 34 million passengers annually and is equipped with 41 X-ray machines which can screen 12, 800 bags per hour.
A Great Host
The climate controlled IGI airport is home to several retail outlets and food joints. One can find McDonald’s and other restaurants along with the book stores, vending machines, travellators, and much more. Moreover, comfortable seats and charging stations are present on all gates. A free ride (within the airport) is available if and when you need it. When it comes to taking care of you, IGIA is a great host.
T4, T5, and T6 Coming Up?
Terminals 4, 5, and 6 will be built if and when required. These three new terminals will host international flights only. T3 will then cater to domestic air traffic only. Once completed, the three new terminals will catapult the airport’s annual passenger capacity to 100 million.
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(Featured Image Credit: newdelhiairport.in)