Decision to shift domestic operations to IGI’s T3 today

The final decision on starting domestic operations from Delhi Airport’s Terminal 3 will be taken on Monday. Domestic airlines had raised concerns over traffic and power problems which could have affect passengers if domestic operation were shifted to T3 on Saturday.

The final decision on starting domestic operations from Delhi Airport’s Terminal 3 will be taken on Monday. Domestic airlines had raised concerns over traffic and power problems which could have affect passengers if domestic operation were shifted to T3 on Saturday.

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Representatives from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, private airport operator Delhi International Airport Ltd, Central Industrial Security Force and airlines are scheduled to meet on Monday.

“We are ready to shift but there are few issues that need to be addressed,” said a senior DIAL official. “The airport will require more power once the domestic carriers are shifted to T3 but since the 220KV station is not yet ready, the airlines are worried.”

“Also, at present there is only one road leading to T3. The second road is under construction so traffic could also be a major problem,” he said.

On Wednesday, the airport faced an eight hour-long power cut that affected normal operations. There were similar problems, albeit of shorter duration, on Tuesday, too. “With domestic operations shifting to T3, it will face a huge extra load as the number of domestic flights and passengers is more than international ones,” said a senior airport official. “Unless we have assured, uninterrupted power supply, it is better to postpone the opening than face hampered operations and embarrassment,” he said.

Domestic carriers Air India, Jet Airways, Kingfisher Airlines and their low-cost arms will shift to T3 and budget carriers IndiGo, SpiceJet and Go Air will operate from the domestic departure terminals 1D and 1C.