Delhi airport expands international passenger capacity for BRICS Summit

Delhi airport is enhancing its international passenger-handling capacity ahead of the BRICS Summit by progressively opening Pier C at Terminal 3. The move will raise annual international capacity by 50 per cent to 31 MPPA amid expectations of increased air traffic

New Delhi:  In view of the upcoming BRICS Summit here on September 12 and 13, Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) is enhancing the capacity to handle international passengers at Terminal 3 of Indira Gandhi International Airport, officials said on Wednesday.

The move is being undertaken in anticipation of the potential surge in international air traffic during the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, a statement said.

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As part of these preparations, Pier C of Terminal 3 will be progressively opened for international flight operations starting from the night of September 9, following the completion of all necessary security and operational checks and approvals, officials said.

Initially, Pier C will facilitate international arrivals, with plans to handle both international arrivals and departures from the facility starting the evening of September 10. This phased rollout will provide additional flexibility and capacity to manage the increased volume of international flights during the summit.

According to officials, once fully operational, the annual capacity for international passengers will increase by 50 per cent, reaching 31 MPPA (Million Passengers Per Annum).

Meanwhile, the Delhi Traffic Police have urged citizens and cab service providers to go through the advisory issued for routes where movement will be restricted, ahead of the Summit.

Speaking to IANS a day before, Addl. CP (Traffic) Dinesh Kumar Gupta said: “The BRICS Summit will be held in India on September 11, 12 and 13. Delhi Traffic Police has its detailed traffic arrangements in place for this. We are conducting rehearsals under these arrangements.”

“These rehearsals give our staff some practice, and our aim is to ensure that there are no difficulties during the movement of dignitaries during the summit,” he added.

Gupta said that the advisories are being shared with the public through the Delhi Police website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and print media so that the public does not face inconvenience during the movement.

“We have 22 diversion points in place, under which we will divert the public from designated points. We have also briefed our staff to guide people, wherever needed, regarding the diverted routes,” he said.

Meanwhile, all Central and state government offices and schools will be closed in Delhi on September 11, in order to minimise public inconvenience on roads.