What's Happening?
Union Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu inaugurated the newly refurbished Terminal 2 (T2) at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport in New Delhi. The terminal, which was closed in April for renovations,
has been modernized to improve passenger experience and accommodate increasing traffic. Key features of the upgrade include self-baggage drop facilities, DigiYatra facial recognition for paperless boarding, and real-time wait time trackers. The terminal now supports around 120 daily domestic flights by Air India and IndiGo, aiming to reduce congestion at other terminals. Additionally, six new autonomous boarding bridges have been introduced, utilizing sensors and laser guidance for efficient aircraft docking. The terminal's design has been enhanced with modern skylights, creating a brighter and more spacious environment.
Why It's Important?
The reopening of Terminal 2 at IGI Airport is significant for India's aviation sector, as it addresses the growing demand for air travel and enhances operational efficiency. The introduction of advanced technologies like DigiYatra and autonomous boarding bridges positions the airport as a leader in modern airport infrastructure. This development is expected to improve passenger satisfaction by reducing wait times and streamlining the boarding process. The upgrades also reflect a broader trend towards digital transformation in the aviation industry, which could influence other airports to adopt similar technologies. The increased capacity and efficiency at IGI Airport are crucial for supporting India's economic growth and connectivity.
What's Next?
With the upgraded Terminal 2 now operational, IGI Airport is poised to handle over 100 million passengers annually. The focus will likely shift to monitoring the effectiveness of the new systems and gathering passenger feedback to make further improvements. As the festive season approaches, the airport will test its capacity to manage peak travel periods. The success of these upgrades could lead to similar enhancements at other terminals and airports across India. Stakeholders, including airlines and airport authorities, will be keenly observing the impact of these changes on operational efficiency and passenger experience.
