File pic: Passengers at the IGI Airport in New Delhi
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The national capital’s IGI Airport is set to increase its international passenger handling capacity by 50 per cent to 31 million passengers per annum (MPPA), as it operationalises Pier C at Terminal 3 ahead of the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit.As per Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL), Pier C at Terminal 3 will be progressively operationalised for international flight operations from the night of September 9, following completion of the required security and operational checks and clearances.Initially, Pier C will facilitate international arrivals, while both international arrivals and departures are planned to be handled from the evening of September 10 onwards.Accordingly, the phased operationalisation is expected to provide additional capacity and flexibility to manage the anticipated increase in international flight movements during the BRICS Summit.Once Pier C becomes fully operational, Delhi Airport’s annual international passenger handling capacity will increase by 50 per cent to 31 MPPA.The 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit will be held in New Delhi from September 11 to 13, with Bharat Mandapam serving as the main venue.The summit is expected to bring leaders and senior delegations from BRICS member and partner countries, along with heads of international organisations and business representatives, to the national capital.Besides, the operationalisation of Pier C is being undertaken in coordination with the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), airlines, ground-handling agencies, immigration, customs and other airport stakeholders.“Delhi Airport is fully geared up to welcome leaders, dignitaries and international delegations arriving in the national capital for the BRICS Summit. We have undertaken comprehensive preparedness measures in close coordination with all our security and operational stakeholders,” Pradeep Panicker, CEO, DIAL, said.According to Panicker, the measures are aimed at allowing the airport to manage the anticipated increase in international traffic while maintaining safety, security and passenger experience.“The operationalisation of Pier C further strengthens our international handling capability at Terminal 3 and provides us with additional flexibility during this important global event,” he added.Furthermore, the conversion of Pier C for international operations is expected to strengthen Terminal 3’s international handling capability and its ability to accommodate next-generation and wide-body aircraft.In addition, DIAL has put in place enhanced coordination mechanisms with relevant stakeholders to maintain operational continuity and passenger movement during the summit period.Published on September 9, 2026
