Airport to put out Sunday best: some work left,schedule final

“I don’t know if this building will start functioning on Sunday. It might,if the big people are saying so but the exterior construction will take months to finish,” said Ram Prasad standing on a tall ladder to work on the ceiling.

Airport developer Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) on Friday announced that three airlines — Indigo,Kingfisher and Kingfisher Red — would kickstart the new terminal’s commercial operations on Sunday.

While Indigo and Kingfisher Red are shifting base from Terminal 1B to Terminal 1D,Kingfisher Airlines is making its shift to Terminal 1A.

Though it might take a couple of months more to be fully ready,the new terminal is expected to offer a whole new experience to passengers flying out of Delhi. As one drives past the airport roundabout,a bright signboard points the way towards T1D.

Driving further,a ramp leads to the departure drop off area on the upper level.

“The new terminal will make passengers miss baggage X-ray machines and long queues leading up to them. While there are eight entry gates from the city side for easy access,there will be 72 check-in desks with a 4-level in-line baggage system,which eliminates baggage X-ray queues and enhances safety,” Arun Arora,DIAL spokesperson,said.

A special contact zone has also been established at the city side of the terminal for those who need assistance.

“Unaccompanied minors,the elderly or the physically challenged will be greeted by DIAL’s customer care staff,who will contact the airline concerned and ensure that the passenger is provided all required assistance. Inside the security hold area,there is a special lobby for toddlers where they can relax and get their nappies changed for the long flight ahead,” Arora said. The terminal also has a food court with brands like Pizza Hut,Kentucky Fried Chicken,and an entire range of Chinese,Continental,North Indian and South Indian cuisines to pick and choose from.

Retail in T1D will include a range of Indian souvenirs and destination merchandise,as well as accessories and clothing sported by brands like Croma Digital for gadget aficionados,Baccarose for cosmetics,Hidesign for bags,Satya Paul and FabIndia.

Wi-fi Internet facility will be available in the security hold area. To catch their flights,passengers will have to head downstairs to the gate lounge,where a bus will be stationed at one of 18 dedicated gates.