Feb 12, 2011 01:30 AM
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(Updated Feb 12, 2011 01:33 AM)
Delhi Int'l as well as Domestic Airport Terminals have seen a vast change from the AAI days to GMR days. The old cubical terminals have gone and now we have the pleasure of boarding, disembarking and changing flights in a plush atmoshphere of the T3.
T3 integrates the Domestic & International lounges. I'm sure it will be very convenient for International passengers. Last time I went abroad in Jun-10, I flew out from T2 (old one), whereas the domestic travel had been from the plush T 1D since last few years. The transit time between the 2 used to be about 30 minutes.
I very closely made it to the domestic check in counter in T 1D for the 11:10 flight after landing at 9:15 am at T2, but that were the most anxious 60 minutes as the Emirates Boeing landed, berthed and we disembarked, did Immigration clearance, passed thru customs green channel, went to taxi booth, parking and finally made the 30 min travel.
However, with the integrated T3, the hassels can be reduced. However, I found the terminal quite large with lots of ground coverage required to be done by foot. With due regards to the designers, I noticed that each bay/pier has 2 aerobridges and 2 Gates. With approx 75 gates (41 domestic, 37 Int'l), there are about 15 such transverse piers on either side, with approximately 200-300 metres between each unit. Had the piers been transversely extended to accommodate 5-6 planes, the longitudinal extent could be reduced. There are enough auto-walkways available, but these run slower than you walk.One has to literally run to catch the flight if its on a farther bays. Not everyone gets to sit on the battery driven golf carts, and normally there are enough senior men and women waiting to catch those.
Similarly, upon arrival on farther piers, there is a long walk to the conveyor. If you have registered luggage, be prepared for 45 mins to get it. However, there is a saving in time from earlier regime of disembarking the plane on the apron, getting into the bus and a long meandering journey to the terminal, as now you directly come thru the aerobridge even on domestic jet-craft flights. However, small aircrafts like ATRs do not deck on the aerobridge piers. Overall, a very world class experience. Interiors are extremely creative. The pier hallways are thickly carpeted with bright orange upholstery. There is a lot of activity with smartly dressed security-men & women, cleaning staff, airline staff running around efficiently. Services are abundantly available. Truly India has finally registered on the world aviation map. <
