Indira Gandhi International Airport's Terminal 3 Goes Operational Amid Proving Flights

Strategic Insights -

The newly constructed terminal 3 of New Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport has commenced its operational phase with Air India's Boeing B777-200LR flight from New York via Washington marking the inaugural flight docking at one of the aerobridges at 4:45 pm. The operational readiness of the terminal has been extensively tested through 'terminal process proving flights,' which involve simulating real passengers, ground handling, and other operational activities. These flights have been designed to ensure a smooth and efficient experience for all stakeholders, including airlines, ground handlers, and aviation services.

Key Takeaways:

  • The first flight to dock at the new terminal was Air India's Boeing B777-200LR from New York via Washington, which arrived at 4:45 pm.
  • A total of nine 'terminal process proving flights' will operate on July 14 and 15, with seven flights scheduled for July 14 and two for July 15.
  • On July 15, the world's largest passenger aircraft, the Airbus A-380 of Emirates Airlines, will arrive and depart from T3.
  • The proving flights will involve around 450 personnel from 13 airlines and other agencies associated with ground handling, screening, and baggage handling.
  • The private airport operator Delhi International Airport Ltd. (DIAL) has conducted a full trial of all operations at T3 on Tuesday.
  • Customer service executives will be available at both Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 to guide passengers, and a regular, free shuttle service will be available from Terminal 2 to Terminal 3.
  • The commercial operations of T3 have been postponed to July 28 due to unfinished work, with international operations set to begin on that day.
  • Domestic operations of Air India, Jet Airways, and Kingfisher, initially scheduled to start from July 30, have been deferred till August 27.

Statistics:

  • There have been 56 trials conducted at T3 to date, including 13 basic trials, 33 advanced trials, and 10 Air taxi simulation trials.
  • These trials involved simulating 50,000 mock passengers and 80,000 bags.
  • The proving flights will enable all stakeholders to perform their functions in actual operations with real passengers.
  • The A-380 compatible runway at T3 is the longest in the country.

Sources:

  • Domain-b.com
  • Contify.com