It’s terminal IA’s turn to look swanky, sleek

After the international and domestic departure and arrival terminals, it’s the turn of Delhi Airport’s terminal 1A to smarten up.

After the international and domestic departure and arrival terminals, it’s the turn of Delhi Airport’s terminal 1A to smarten up.

HT Image

Air India and some other airlines operate from this terminal. Besides IA, 1D is the other departure terminal.
The World War II vintage terminal 1B was closed two months ago when the brand new terminal 1D replaced it.

At present, Air India, Go Air, MDLR Airlines and Jagson Airlines operate from terminal 1A, which is next to the new terminal 1D.

Private airport operator Delhi International Airport Ltd. (DIAL) wants it to have a modern look with all facilities that passengers using other terminals enjoy.

“We don’t want passengers using terminal 1A to feel that they are getting anything less than those flying out of the new terminal 1D,” said a DIAL spokesman.

“The building will get a new facade, which would make it look like a part of terminal 1D.” Landscaping would be done in front of the terminal and it would get new signages.

Terminal 1A was built to accommodate international VIPs coming for Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in 1983.
After the event was over, the terminal wasn’t used till 1988. “As domestic air traffic kept increasing, it was decided to use 1A to decongest terminal 1B and all airbus flights were shifted to 1A,” said an Air India who didn’t wish to be named.

Outlets of popular fast food joints have been opened and like all other terminals at the airport, 1A too got a smoking room last week.

“We shifted the VIP lounge to 1A a few months back and it offers more facilities now,” he said. When the integrated Terminal 3 opens in next year, where all full cost carriers would shift, terminal 1A will be used by low-cost carriers along with 1D.