Flying from Delhi? New Enclosures to Cut Wait Times for Delayed Flights

Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) has unveiled dedicated enclosures for passengers on flights delayed by more than three hours. These new enclosures, located at Terminals T1, T2, and T3 of Delhi Airport, aim to streamline the re-entry process, helping passengers quickly board their connecting flights without unnecessary delays.

Why the New Enclosures?

According to Videh Kumar Jaipuriar, CEO of Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL), the initiative addresses flight delays caused by fog, weather disruptions, and technical issues. The goal is to reduce boarding and de-boarding times, enhancing passenger convenience during such disruptions.

Streamlined Security Process

One of the key benefits of these enclosures is bypassing the standard security check-in process. Passengers will undergo a dedicated security screening, enabling them to proceed directly to the Security Hold Area (SHA) without re-entering through the usual routes. This special procedure minimizes wait times and allows for a faster boarding experience.

Where Are the Enclosures Located?

The enclosures, designed for both domestic and international travellers, are strategically placed across the airport:

• Terminal 3 (T3): Bus boarding gates, select aerobridges, and transfer areas.
• Terminal 2 (T2): Transfer areas.
• Terminal 1 (T1): Bus boarding gates.

Capacity and Amenities

These enclosures, ranging from 250 to 450 square meters, can accommodate between 55 and 120 passengers at a time. To enhance comfort, DIAL is working to include essential amenities such as toilets and vending machines within these spaces.

Time-Saving Measures

Passengers using these enclosures will save significant time. Instead of undergoing the full security process at the arrivals area, they will be directly escorted to a reverse entry point. This innovation cuts re-boarding time from approximately 2.5 hours to just a few minutes.

Security Protocols in Place

Only airline staff and security personnel from the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) will have access to the enclosures. Private Security Agency (PSA) staff will also verify passenger documents before allowing them entry. The CISF will ensure thorough screening before passengers proceed to the SHA.

Additional Guidelines for In-Flight Delays

In line with Delhi Airport’s efforts to ease the passenger experience, the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has recently issued updated guidelines for in-flight delays.

According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)’s CAR Section 3, Series M Part IV regulations, airlines must provide the following services based on the duration of the delay:

• Delays Up to 2 Hours: Passengers should be given access to drinking water.
• Delays Between 2 to 4 Hours: Airlines are required to serve tea, coffee, and light snacks.
• Delays Over 4 Hours: A full meal service must be provided to ensure passenger comfort.

These measures aim to address the basic needs of travellers and enhance their overall experience during extended wait times, complementing the time-saving benefits of the newly introduced enclosures at Delhi Airport.

Enhancing the Passenger Experience

This initiative underscores IGIA’s commitment to improving the passenger experience, particularly during disruptions. By simplifying the re-entry process and reducing wait times, DIAL aims to make transit smoother for travellers at India’s busiest airport, which handles around 1,400 flight movements daily.