One of the most stressful experiences at Delhi Airport is making a connection from an international arrival to a domestic departure. Unlike airports with seamless airside transfers, Delhi often requires you to clear immigration, collect baggage, exit the terminal, and re-enter for your domestic flight. Here is exactly how to navigate it.

Understanding Delhi Airport Terminals

  • Terminal 3 (T3): All international flights + Air India, Akasa Air, and some Vistara domestic flights
  • Terminal 1 (T1): IndiGo and SpiceJet domestic flights
  • Terminal 2 (T2): Flexi terminal used during peak hours (verify your terminal)

Scenario 1: International → Domestic (Both at T3)

If your domestic connection is on Air India, Akasa Air, or a Vistara flight operating from T3, you can use the Domestic Transfer Facility within Terminal 3.

Process:

  1. After deplaning, follow signs for "Domestic Transfer"
  2. Clear immigration at the transfer immigration counter
  3. Collect your checked baggage (it will NOT be automatically transferred)
  4. Clear customs
  5. Re-check your baggage at the domestic transfer counter
  6. Proceed through domestic security to your gate

Minimum connection time: 90 minutes (recommended: 2.5 hours)

Scenario 2: International (T3) → Domestic (T1)

If your domestic flight is on IndiGo or SpiceJet from Terminal 1, you must exit Terminal 3 completely and travel to T1.

Process:

  1. Clear immigration at T3
  2. Collect all checked baggage
  3. Clear customs and exit to the arrivals hall
  4. Take the free airport shuttle bus to Terminal 1 (runs every 20 minutes, takes 15-20 minutes)
  5. Enter T1, check in for your domestic flight, drop bags
  6. Clear security and proceed to your gate

Minimum connection time: 3 hours (recommended: 4 hours)

Why Connections Go Wrong

  • Immigration delays: 30-60 minutes during peak hours (midnight to 4 AM)
  • Baggage delays: 15-30 minutes wait at the belt
  • Shuttle bus timing: If you just miss one, add 20 minutes
  • T1 check-in closure: Most airlines close check-in 45 minutes before departure
  • Flight delays: Your international flight lands late, eating into connection time

How Meet and Greet Helps Transit Passengers

A transit meet and greet service is specifically designed for connection passengers. Your greeter:

  • Meets you at the aerobridge immediately after landing
  • Fast-tracks you through immigration (priority lane)
  • Assists with baggage identification and collection
  • Guides you through customs quickly
  • Arranges buggy transfer to Terminal 1 or the domestic transfer counter
  • Helps with domestic check-in and bag drop
  • Escorts you through domestic security to your gate

This can save 45-60 minutes on your connection — often the difference between making and missing your domestic flight.

Tips for Smooth Connections

  1. Book connections with at least 3 hours gap (4 hours if T3→T1)
  2. Submit your e-Arrival Card before landing to save time at immigration
  3. Keep your domestic booking confirmation easily accessible
  4. If possible, book domestic flights from T3 (Air India/Akasa) to avoid terminal transfer
  5. Consider a meet and greet service for tight connections or late-night arrivals
  6. Have your airline's customer service number saved in case you need to rebook

Book Delhi Airport Transit Assistance →