The oldest terminal at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport—Terminal 2—is scheduled to reopen on October 26, 2025 after extensive upgrades. Closure of T2 had been in effect since April to allow for modernization and renovation works.

• Self-Baggage Drop (SBD): Travelers can now scan boarding passes, tag and drop their baggage themselves—cutting waiting time at check-in counters.
• Six Passenger Boarding Bridges with Autonomous Docking Technology: These state-of-the-art bridges include elevated ramps for wheelchair users, swing doors for safety, side cushions for comfort.
• Modern Interiors & Comfort Enhancements: Redesigned ceilings, natural skylights, upgraded flooring, enhanced road connectivity within the terminal precincts—all aimed at making the environment more open, bright, and welcoming.
• Improved Mechanical & Safety Systems: Overhauled HVAC systems, improved fire safety infrastructure, updated electrical installations to ensure stable operations and passenger well-being.
• Enhanced Flight Information & Accessibility: Real-time high resolution Flight Information Display System (FIDS), clearer signage especially for persons with reduced mobility, and better overall wayfinding.
• Refurbished Airside & Apron Areas: After decades of use, the apron and aircraft-handling zones have been renewed to support faster and smoother aircraft turnaround.

From the night of October 25-26, about 120 domestic flights daily operated by Air India and IndiGo will shift to Terminal 2. This change is set to improve operational efficiency and provide better passenger experience, especially during the busy winter schedule.

Terminal 2 handles up to 15 million passengers annually, and the refurbishments are part of GMR’s drive to meet growing demand for domestic air travel. While the capacity number isn’t being increased significantly, the quality of service, safety, and speed are expected to see marked improvement.

The timing aligns with broader upgrades too—such as the reopening of Runway 10/28, enhanced fog-landing capabilities, and readiness for the winter season’s peak travel.

For GMR Airports, the reopening of T2 means improved asset utilisation and operational efficiency. Faster turnarounds and better facilities tend to attract more favourable airline contracts and can reduce delays and costs.

From a financial viewpoint, smoother operations, higher passenger satisfaction, and better infrastructure may translate into stronger non-aeronautical revenue (retail, food & beverage, duty free) along with enhanced brand value. Investors should watch for how quickly T2 ramps up to full flight schedules without teething issues.

Any large terminal reopening carries risks: technical glitches, staffing issues, or delays in shifting flight operations may affect early customer experience.

Also, while enhancements are substantial, certain constraints like capacity cap, gate availability, and peak-hour congestion will still need careful operational management.

Investor Takeaway

• GMR Airports is likely to benefit from increased domestic traffic flow, especially with new technology-led passenger conveniences boosting throughput and satisfaction.
• Revenue streams beyond aeronautical charges (such as retail, F&B, passenger services) are set to gain from renewed footfall and improved dwell time experience.
• Cost savings and better utilisation of physical infrastructure (like improved apron and boarding bridges) may enhance margins in coming quarters, if disruptions are minimal. 
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