Practical tips
- If you are flying to Delhi from abroad, you will most likely land at its main international airport—Indira Gandhi International Airport
DEL(also known as Delhi Airport). It is the busiest airport in India in terms of daily flight traffic.
Delhi Airport has 3 terminals: Terminal 1 is dedicated solely to domestic flights (with Terminal 1D for departures and Terminal 1C for arrivals), Terminal 2 serves low-cost carriers and domestic flights, while Terminal 3 handles arrivals and departures of both domestic and international flights. The distance between T1 and T2 is around 8 km (free shuttle is available every 20 min), and T2 is just around 500 meters from T3 (a 5-minute walk). If you are arriving by an international flight and changing to a domestic flight, you will need at least 60 minutes from the arrival to the moment of check-in for the domestic flight.
DEL (also known as Delhi Airport). It is located about 15 km southwest of the city center, and is well-connected to the main Delhi spots with by taxi, metro, or bus.
- Planning to explore the region? Popular destinations can be easily reached with regional low-cost carriers (LCCs) by the likes of Air Arabia, Air Asia, Air India Express, Batik Air, Flynas, and FlyDubai, and VietJet Air.
Flights to Delhi
from United States and Canada
- There are no direct flights from the US or Canada to Delhi. However, most major hubs in Asia have non-stop flights to Delhi, as do some larger airports in the Middle East – your journey will have at least one stop. New Delhi is the most connected city in India for nonstop flights from the United States and Canada. Direct flights from North America to Delhi are about 14-16 hours long, depending on your point of departure: New York, Chicago, Washington, San Francisco, Vancouver, Toronto or Montreal. When opting for a flight without layovers, American travelers can only choose from a limited range of flight operators: Air India, American Airlines, and United Airlines
- Delhi is well-served via one-stop flights from North America. Flights to Delhi with one layover depart from most major North American airports, including Atlanta
ATL, DallasDFW, DenverDEN, ChicagoORD, Los AngelesLAX, Las VegasDFW, MiamiMIA, SeattleSEA, HoustonIAH, New YorkJFK, and San FranciscoSFOin the United States and TorontoYYZ, VancouverYVR, CalgaryLAS, and MontrealYULin Canada. The most convenient layovers for connecting flights from the US to Delhi are Mumbai, Dubai, Doha, London, and Frankfurt. - The best airlines to fly to Delhi from the US and Canada are: Air Canada, Air India, American Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Delta Air Lines, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Korean Air, Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways, and United Airlines. They are top full-service carriers, offering exceptional customer service, in-flight comfort, a generous checked baggage allowance, and reliable customer support channels – all included in the ticket price.
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What is the best time to book flights to Delhi?
The best time to book flights to Delhi is between 2 to 8 months before your travel date. The prime booking window (the most likely time to find the bargains) for Delhi flights is 4–6 months before takeoff. Book when you notice a significant drop in price.
Airfare prices for Delhi flights fluctuate due to demand, seasonal trends, and competition, causing numerous price drops and increases as your departure date approaches. The airlines use sophisticated revenue management systems to adjust pricing for optimal seat sales.
Generally, as seats are sold, prices tend to become more expensive.
Don’t book too early
Most airlines start selling their flights 9–12 months in advance. However, booking a ticket too early in that window can be an expensive mistake – airlines typically start by setting prices at a relatively high level to capture early demand from those willing to pay more to secure their seats.
Peak seasons are expensive
Peak travel seasons are always expensive – due to higher base prices set by airlines for dates they expect to be popular. Try to avoid the high season during summer and major holidays including holidays in India. If you must travel during peak times, book your flight well in advance.
Avoid last minute
Avoid booking flights to Delhi less than 30 days before takeoff. Prices spike sharply then, as airlines are taking advantage of any last-minute travelers who have no choice but to pay up.
Prime Booking Window
For long-haul flights to Delhi, the best time to book your ticket is around 4–6 months before departure. This is the “Prime Booking Window.” After some seats have already been sold, airlines start dropping prices to stimulate demand. They may also offer promotions and sales. This is the ideal time for bargain hunting.
Fly on weekdays
It makes a difference which day of the week you board the plane. Midweek travel (especially Tuesdays and Wednesdays) is less busy and likely cheaper than flying on weekends. Airlines charge higher prices for weekend travel due to the high demand from people going on short getaways or visiting family and friends.
Opt for early morning flights
To save on airfare, select a late night or early morning (1–5 a.m.) flight. Airlines often offer discounts on their first flight of the morning (up to 15-20%) simply because of lower demand—most people are not willing to go to the airport so early. Moreover, morning flights tend to have fewer delays, and airport queues are usually shorter.
Flights to Delhi from Europe
- There are no direct flights from Europe to Delhi — you’ll need to get a connecting flight from elsewhere in the Middle East or in Asia. Direct flights from Europe to Delhi are about 7-9 hours long. Only some of the largest European hubs have a nonstop connection to India - among them are London, Birmingham, Frankfurt, Munch, Paris, Amsterdam, Paris, Rome, Milan, Warsaw, Vienna, and Zurich. Those flights arrive at the main Delhi airport: Indira Gandhi International Airport
DELand are operated by Air India, Air France, British Airways, KLM, LOT, Lufthansa, SWISS, Vistara and Virgin Atlantic.
If you are opting for a connecting flight from Europe to Delhi, the most convenient (and the cheapest) options are flights with a layover in one of the biggest Indian hubs: BengaluruBLR, or MumbaiBOM. Qatar Airways also has fairly priced flights from Europe to Delhi with a short transit in DohaDOH - Airlines that frequently fly from the UK, Germany, France, and other European countries to Delhi include Air France, Air India, British Airways, KLM, Lufthansa, LOT, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Turkish Airlines, and Virgin Atlantic.
- Consider departure airports in neighboring countries to increase your chance of spotting the best deal. Especially look for large airports that serve as hubs for multiple airlines. For example, if you live in Western Europe, check air tickets to Delhi from Amsterdam, Frankfurt, London, Madrid, Paris, and Rome. Leverage frequent promotions from European budget carriers like RyanAir, EasyJet, and Eurowings to reach a major hub; from there, take a cheaper long-haul flight to your final destination, potentially saving hundreds of euros.
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The cheapest time to fly to Delhi
The cheapest time to fly to Delhi is during the off-peak months: from May to September. The low demand from tourists during this summer/monsoon period compels airlines to offer substantial discounts to fill their vacant seats. Between May and September, several popular routes to Delhi are priced 20-40% lower than during the high season.
However, the cheapest fares come with some drawbacks. The summer months of May to June can be extremely hot, with temperatures reaching almost unbearable levels. Meanwhile, the monsoon months of July to September bring abundant rainfall to Delhi.
If you can bear the heat and rain, traveling Delhi between May to September is a great way to avoid crowds and save money. Besides the cheapest flights, you will also enjoy great discounts on accommodation, tours, and ground transportation.
Fast-track your way through Delhi airport with DigiYatra app
DigiYatra (DY) is a digital service that allows passengers to navigate through major airports in India (including Delhi Airport) using facial recognition as their sole form of identification.
To use the service, passengers must be registered with DigiYatra and have their identity verified through biometric facial recognition technology (FRT). The passenger’s face is linked to their boarding pass, and they can quickly pass through all the airport’s checkpoints, including airport entry, security clearance and boarding gates, simply by showing their face.
To use it at Delhi airport, you must download the DigiYatra app on your mobile device and create an account. When you arrive at the airport, scan your boarding pass or e-ticket to validate your passenger details. After validation, you can take advantage of paperless and contactless movement within the airport.
Currently, only Indian nationals can register and use the DigiYatra system.
Air India’s 25% discount for students and senior citizens
Air India makes it a bit easier for students and senior citizens to fly around India. Through its Concession Fares program, the airline offers a 25% discount on Economy Class fares for all domestic flights operated by Air India (including flights to and from Delhi).
To qualify for this discount, students must be under the age of 26 and enrolled in a full-time course in India for at least one academic year. Senior Indian citizens must be 60 years of age or older.
To book a flight with a 25% discount, simply visit the Air India website, select a flight, and click the “Book Now” button. On the next page, select the “Student Discount” option and enter your student ID number. The discount will be automatically applied, and you can proceed to the payment page.
For seniors, the discount is applied during the booking process based on the date of birth provided.
Trains beat flights for short trips
India has an extensive railway network that covers almost the entire country, and there are several train stations in Delhi. Traveling by train is usually cheaper than flying for distances up to 500-600 kilometers (310-370 miles), which is considered a short distance in India. On average, train fares are priced at least 20-50% less than the cost of a one-way flight ticket.
However, it may not be a viable option if you’re in a rush. Even the fastest trains like the Rajdhani Express or Shatabdi Express will need 6-8 hours to cover a distance of around 500km – compared to just 1 hour and 30 minutes by air.
You can book a train ticket through the IRCTC website, at a local ITB (International Tourist Bureau) office, or in person at the Delhi railway station. There are usually several classes with different levels of comfort to choose from: basic sleeper cars, open-plan carriages, air-conditioned coaches, executive class with larger seats, luxurious first class, etc.
Best airlines for domestic flights in India
India has a thriving airline industry, operating thousands of flights each week between a plethora of cities across the subcontinent. Delhi is one of the major airports in India, and you’ll have no trouble finding local airlines offering domestic flights.
There are three full-service carriers (FSC) in India: Air India, Vistara, and Jet Airways. Additionally, there are more than 10 low-cost carriers (LCC), including IndiGo, GoFirst, SpiceJet, Air India Express, AirAsia India, Akasa Air, and Alliance Air.
For those seeking unparalleled comfort and high quality service at a reasonable price, Air India stands out as the best option. This government-owned carrier flies to all major airports in India. It offers roomy seats, delicious complimentary meals, and the greatest baggage capacity among all airlines (25 kg in Economy Class).
If you’re looking for cheap tickets, these are the four Indian LCCs we recommend:
- IndiGo. The undisputed leader in the domestic market, offering flights to 76 domestic destinations. Despite low-cost pricing, it is renowned for punctuality, safety, and good customer support. However, it does not provide complimentary meals on domestic routes. IndiGo is the only Indian airline listed in World’s Best Low-Cost Airlines by Skytrax, securing an impressive 5th position.
- SpiceJet. India’s second-largest low-cost carrier. They offer premium services such as extra legroom and priority baggage handling under their SpiceMax brand. The only drawbacks are a recent drop in on-time performance and limited access to their hotline.
- GoFirst (formerly Go Air). Provides some of the cheapest domestic fares available in India. Additionally, they have a frequent flyer program known as Go Club with free upgrades to “Go Business” (front row with the middle seat left empty). Customer support is limited.
- Akasa Air. A new airline, entered the Indian market in 2022. Currently, it flies to Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Kochi, and Chennai. According to customers, it offers great value on airfares, punctuality, quieter cabins with comfortable seating, and great customer service.
Know your time zone
When checking flights and airport transfer times, ensure you know the local time zones. The departure/arrival times on your plane ticket to Delhi and on the boarding pass are based on the time zone of the departure/arrival airport – this also applies to the connecting (layover) airports.
India has only one time zone, despite being a large country that stretches almost 3000 kilometers and nearly 30 degrees longitude. It observes Indian Standard Time (IST) all year, which is UTC+05:30 time zone. As a result, clocks in Delhi are 5 and half hours ahead of London and 9 hours and 30 minutes ahead of New York. IST does not have an associated daylight saving time.
Delhi airport customs rules
Flying to Delhi from overseas? Make sure you know the limits for bringing in certain items.
India is serious about the duty-free concession – alcoholic drinks such as spirits, wine, or beer cannot exceed 2 liters per person, and you can carry only 100 cigarettes (or 125g of tobacco). In addition to personal items, you may also carry items up to a value of ₹15,000–50,000 ($190–$620), depending on your origin. While there is no currency limit for foreign currencies, it does need to be declared if it is above the amount of $5,000.
If you exceed the mentioned limits on items, head to Red Lane at the Delhi airport to declare your goods.
Domestic flights from Delhi
Most domestic routes in India are operated by local carriers. When traveling to popular tourist destinations such as Mumbai, Bengaluru, Goa, Hyderabad, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata from New Delhi Airport, you’ll likely fly with one of these domestic airlines: Air India, Air India Express, IndiGo, Vistara, SpiceJet, Go First, and AirAsia India.
This is often the best transportation method, providing speed, convenience, and cost-effectiveness. Local airlines often offer multiple daily flights to key destinations, providing flexibility in scheduling and competitive pricing. They also serve smaller regional airports, enabling access to a wider range of Indian destinations.
Flights to Delhi
from Australia and New Zealand
- Australia and New Zealand are well-connected with popular Asian destinations, including Delhi. In addition to domestic airlines – Qantas, Jetstar Airways, Virgin Australia, and Air New Zealand – routes from Australasia to Asia are operated by large international carriers such as ANA, Emirates, Cathay Pacific, Garuda Indonesia, Japan Airlines, Korean Air, Malaysia Airlines, Philippine Airlines, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, and Thai Airways.
Currently, there are no direct flights from Australia or New Zealand to Delhi. You’ll need a layover in one of the major hubs in Asia. - Airfare costs can vary widely depending on the route and the airline’s pricing strategy. To find the cheapest flight to Delhi, compare ticket prices from various international airports in Australia – Sydney
SYD, BrisbaneBNE, MelbourneMEL, PerthPER, AdelaideADL, CairnsCNS, Gold CoastOOL, CanberraCBR, and in New Zealand – AucklandAKL, WellingtonWLG, ChristchurchCHC, QueenstownZQN, and DunedinDUD. - For optimal savings, consider flying from Australia or New Zealand to a key Asian hub, then connect to Delhi via a regional low-cost carrier. Among budget airlines that fly to Delhi are Air Arabia, Air Asia, Air India Express, Batik Air, Flynas, and FlyDubai, and VietJet Air.
For the first leg, use the budget carriers that fly out of Australian airports, leveraging sales and promotions they run frequently: AirAsia (connects with Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore), Cebu Pacific (Manila), Jetstar (Seoul, Singapore, Tokyo), Scoot (Singapore), VietJet Air (Ho Chi Minh City), Bamboo Airways (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Beijing), and Batik Air (Jakarta, Singapore).
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Flights to Delhi
from major hubs in Asia
- Asia is probably the best continent for short-haul and mid-haul flying. The sheer scale of this most populous region on Earth is reflected in the type of aircraft operating many shorter routes: intra-Asia flyers benefit from comfortable, wide-bodied aircraft by the likes of Boeing 777, 787 or Airbus A350, A330, and A380. When booking your flight to Delhi look for these bigger planes as they will almost always give you the best experience in every cabin, including better seat pitches, higher ceilings, and larger overhead bin space.
- Asia is also home to most of the world’s best airlines. There are only ten airlines that received the prestigious 5-star mark of quality from Skytrax, and all of them are from Asia: ANA, Asiana Airlines, Cathay Pacific, EVA Air, Garuda Indonesia, Japan Airlines, Korean Air, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines. Choosing one of these airlines for your trip to Delhi will guarantee a pleasant journey – delicious meals served during the flight, great in-flight entertainment, and above-average airline customer service.
- Asia is extremely well served by low-cost regional airlines. If you are visiting India and want to see several other countries on a tight budget, they often have great sales with rock-bottom prices, while still offering a relatively comfortable flight experience. Among the best Asian budget airlines you can book without hesitation are AirAsia, Cebu Pacific, Citilink, FlyDubai, Indigo, Jetstar Airways, Scoot, SpiceJet, and VietJet Air. The cons? Being no-frills airlines they may not provide free baggage allowance, inflight meals, or onboard entertainment. The departure times may also be quite inconvenient as they try to save money by flying at off-peak hours.
Flights to Delhi dataset
