Delhi airport operationalises Pier C at T3, raises international passenger capacity by 50% ahead of BRICS

Delhi airport operator DIAL has ramped up preparations to handle an expected surge in international passenger traffic during the BRICS Summit, with a new pier at Terminal 3 being operationalised and dedicated immigration counters planned for participants.

The 18th BRICS Leaders' Summit will be held in New Delhi on September 12 and 13, bringing an increase in international flight movements to the national capital.

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Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL) said Pier C at Terminal 3 will be progressively operationalised for international flight operations from the night of September 9.

"Pier C will facilitate international arrivals, with both international arrivals and departures planned to be handled from the evening of September 10 onwards," DIAL said in a statement.

Once fully operational, Pier C will increase the airport's annual international passenger handling capacity by 50% to 31 million passengers per annum (MPPA).

The airport has also put in place dedicated immigration counters for BRICS participants and made arrangements for the landing and parking of aircraft expected to operate additional international flights during the summit.

DIAL CEO Pradeep Panicker said the airport had undertaken comprehensive preparations in coordination with security and operational stakeholders to manage the anticipated increase in international traffic while maintaining safety, security and passenger experience.

"The operationalisation of Pier C further strengthens our international handling capability at Terminal 3 and provides us with additional flexibility during this important global event," he said.

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Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA), the country's largest airport, handles more than 1,300 flight movements a day. It has three terminals — T1, T2 and T3 — with international flight operations currently handled exclusively from T3.

The airport has an overall annual passenger handling capacity of 106 million, comprising 42 million at T1, 14 million at T2 and 50 million at T3.

The new pier is a long, narrow structure connected to the main terminal that enables passengers to board aircraft through aerobridges. Its operationalisation is expected to provide additional flexibility in handling international arrivals and departures during the BRICS Summit and beyond.