How Delhi airport is upgrading terminal transfers to match global hubs like Zurich, Dubai, Singapore and New York JFK

Saurabh Sinha / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Updated: May 1, 2026, 14:43 IST

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Delhi airport shifting to airside transfers

From July, most passenger transfers at Indira Gandhi International Airport between Terminals 1, 2, and 3 will shift to airside movement, reducing reliance on cityside transfers.

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Dubai airport: One of world’s busiest airports

Dubai International Airport operates as one of the world’s busiest hubs, enabling efficient hub-and-spoke transfers with integrated terminal connectivity and frequent shuttle services.

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Airside buses for inter-terminal movement

Airside buses will be deployed by DIAL to facilitate T1–T3 and T1–T2 transfers, enabling smoother international-to-domestic, domestic-to-international, and domestic-to-domestic connections.

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KLIA uses Ekspres Air Train system

Kuala Lumpur International Airport uses the KLIA Ekspres Air Train system to provide fast, airside-linked connectivity between terminals and the city transport network.

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Moves toward hub-and-spoke model

The upgrade is part of Delhi airport’s shift toward hub-and-spoke operations, aligning it with global hubs like Dubai, Singapore, New York JFK, and Heathrow, with rollout expected by late June or early July after BCAS approval.

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Zurich Airport: Smooth inter-terminal transfers

Zurich Airport (Switzerland) offers smooth inter-terminal transfers with well-coordinated airside buses and short walking distances within a compact terminal layout.

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New York JFK: Seamless multi-terminal hub

New York JFK Airport is a major global hub offering seamless domestic and international connectivity through multiple terminals and airside transport systems.

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T2–T3 retains short walking connection

Only T2–T3 transfers will still happen via cityside with a short walking route, while all major inter-terminal connections move inside the airport’s restricted operational zone.

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Zurich Airport: One of the quickest transit hubs

Zurich Airport is also known for its efficient hub operations, ensuring quick and easy transit connections for international passengers within tight connection windows.

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Ends DTC bus-based transfer delays

The change will replace current DTC bus-based transfers (especially T3/T2 to T1), which often face delays due to city traffic and are a major inconvenience for connecting passengers.