Terminal 3 at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport is India's largest and busiest terminal, handling all international flights and select domestic carriers including Air India and Akasa Air. Whether you are arriving, departing, or transiting through Delhi, this guide covers everything you need to navigate T3 efficiently.
Terminal 3 at a Glance
- Size: Over 5.4 million square feet across multiple levels
- Capacity: 40+ million passengers annually
- Airlines: All international carriers + Air India, Akasa Air, Vistara domestic
- Levels: Arrivals (Ground Floor), Departures (Level 3), Check-in (Level 3)
Arriving at Terminal 3
Step-by-Step Arrival Process
- Deplane: Exit via aerobridge to the arrivals corridor
- E-Arrival Card: Must be submitted online within 72 hours before landing (mandatory for international arrivals)
- Immigration: Proceed to immigration counters. Indian passport holders use the left section; foreign nationals use the right. E-gate lanes available for FTI-TTP members
- Baggage Claim: Check the display boards for your belt number. Trolleys are free
- Customs: Green channel (nothing to declare) or Red channel (goods to declare)
- Exit: Arrivals hall with prepaid taxi counters, metro access, and pickup zones
Average Wait Times
- Immigration: 20-60 minutes (peak hours: midnight to 4 AM)
- Baggage: 15-30 minutes after immigration clearance
- Customs: 5-10 minutes (green channel)
Departing from Terminal 3
Entry Requirements
- Only passengers with same-day tickets are allowed inside
- Entry opens 4 hours before departure for international flights
- You need your passport + ticket/boarding pass at the entrance gate
Check-in Zones
T3 departures are organized into rows A through W. Each airline has designated counters displayed on overhead screens. Self-check-in kiosks are available near most airline counters.
Security and Immigration (Departures)
- After check-in, proceed to security screening (hand baggage X-ray + body scan)
- International departures: immigration counters after security
- Domestic departures: proceed directly to gates after security
Transit Connections at Terminal 3
International to International
If both flights are from T3, you remain airside. Follow the Transfer signs after deplaning. A transfer desk will reissue your boarding pass if needed.
International to Domestic (T3 to T1)
This requires clearing immigration and customs, collecting baggage, exiting to the landside, and taking a shuttle bus or taxi to Terminal 1. Allow minimum 3 hours for this connection.
International to Domestic (T3 to T3)
If your domestic flight also departs from T3 (Air India, Akasa), you can use the domestic transfer facility within the terminal. Minimum connection time: 90 minutes.
Lounges at Terminal 3
- Encalm Privé: Premium domestic lounge with spa services
- Plaza Premium: Multiple locations (domestic + international)
- Air India Maharaja Lounge: Flagship lounge opened February 2026 (16,000 sq ft)
- ITC Maurya Lounge: Fine dining experience
Getting To and From Terminal 3
- Airport Express Metro: Connects T3 to New Delhi Railway Station in 20 minutes ($15)
- Prepaid Taxi: Counters at arrivals exit ($15-600 to central Delhi)
- App Cabs: Uber/Ola pickup from designated zones
- Hotel Shuttles: Many 5-star hotels offer complimentary airport transfers
Pro Tips for Terminal 3
- Submit your e-Arrival Card before boarding your flight to India
- Carry a pen for any paper forms at immigration
- Download the DigiYatra app for contactless entry (domestic flights)
- Book a meet and greet service if arriving late at night when queues are longest
- The airport has free Wi-Fi — connect to "CSIA Free WiFi" and verify via OTP