Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) is expanding international passenger handling capacity at Terminal 3 of Indira Gandhi International Airport ahead of the 18th BRICS Summit, scheduled for 12 and 13 September in New Delhi. The move, confirmed by officials on Wednesday, is designed to absorb the anticipated surge in international air traffic during the high-profile diplomatic event.

Phased Opening of Pier C

Pier C of Terminal 3 will be progressively opened for international flight operations beginning the night of 9 September, following completion of all required security and operational checks. Initially, the pier will handle only international arrivals. From the evening of 10 September, it will be equipped to manage both international arrivals and departures, providing a phased capacity ramp-up timed to the summit's commencement.

Once fully operational, this expansion will raise the airport's annual international passenger handling capacity by 50 per cent, reaching 31 Million Passengers Per Annum (MPPA). This marks a significant infrastructural milestone for Indira Gandhi International Airport, which already ranks among the busiest in South Asia.

Traffic Arrangements Across Delhi

Delhi Traffic Police have urged citizens and cab service providers to consult the official advisory on route restrictions ahead of the summit. Additional Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Dinesh Kumar Gupta said the force has detailed traffic arrangements in place and has been conducting rehearsals to ensure smooth movement of dignitaries.

'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,' Gupta said. He added that the rehearsals give staff practice and that the aim is to ensure 'no difficulties during the movement of dignitaries during the summit.'

Gupta noted that 22 diversion points have been established to redirect public movement away from designated routes. Staff have been briefed to guide commuters at each diversion point. Advisories are being disseminated through the Delhi Police website, social media platforms, and print media to minimise public inconvenience.

Government Offices and Schools to Remain Shut

All Central and state government offices and schools in Delhi will remain closed on 11 September to reduce road congestion and ease movement during the summit's preparatory phase. The closure is intended to limit civilian traffic during what is expected to be an operationally intensive period for security and logistics agencies.

Why This Matters

The 18th BRICS Summit is among the most significant multilateral events hosted by India in recent years, drawing heads of state and senior officials from member nations. The airport expansion and traffic management measures reflect the scale of logistical coordination required for such an event. Notably, the 50 per cent capacity increase at Terminal 3 — while triggered by the summit — is expected to deliver lasting benefits to Delhi's international aviation infrastructure well beyond the event itself.