In this article · 8 sections
- The three terminals
- When to leave Punjab
- Drop-off at departures
- Pickup at arrivals
- Tips for families flying abroad
- Fog season
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Which terminal do Air Canada and Air India international flights use?
- Can the taxi driver come inside the terminal?
- How much waiting time do taxis give for arrivals?
- For taxi operators
Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport in Delhi is the main international gateway for families in Punjab, Haryana and Himachal — especially for flights to Canada, the UK, Australia and the Gulf. Most travellers drive 4–8 hours to reach it. Knowing which terminal to go to, when to leave, and how pickups work saves a lot of stress.
Airlines sometimes move flights between terminals. Always check the terminal on your ticket or the airline's app 24 hours before travel.
The three terminals
- Terminal 3 (T3): the main international terminal and also used by several domestic airlines. Most long-haul flights to Canada, the UK, Europe and the US depart from T3.
- Terminal 2 (T2): mainly domestic flights; also used for some operations during terminal works.
- Terminal 1 (T1): domestic flights, mostly low-cost carriers. T1 is on a different side of the airport from T2/T3 — allow extra time if you go to the wrong one.
When to leave Punjab
For international flights, airlines generally recommend arriving 3 hours before departure. Add travel time and a buffer:
| From | Typical drive (normal traffic) | Leave this long before an international flight |
|---|---|---|
| Ambala / Chandigarh | 4–5 hours | 8–9 hours |
| Ludhiana | 5–6 hours | 9–10 hours |
| Jalandhar | 6–7 hours | 10–11 hours |
| Amritsar | 7–8 hours | 11–12 hours |
These are rough planning figures. Add 1–2 hours in fog season (December–January), during festivals, and on weekends with heavy traffic near Panipat, Sonipat and the Delhi border.
Drop-off at departures
- Departure drop-off is on the upper level of the terminal. Cars are allowed to stop briefly to unload — drivers can't wait there.
- Keep passports, tickets and visas in hand before reaching the terminal.
- Only passengers with tickets can enter the terminal building; family members say goodbye outside.
- Use a luggage trolley from the kerb; weigh bags at home to avoid overweight charges.
Pickup at arrivals
- Arrivals are on the ground level. Drivers usually wait in the multi-level car park or designated pickup area — parking charges apply.
- International arrivals can take 45–90 minutes after landing for immigration, baggage and customs.
- Share the flight number with your taxi operator so they can track delays.
- Agree on a meeting point and keep the driver's number handy; mobile data may not work immediately for NRIs arriving with foreign SIMs, so save the number offline.
Tips for families flying abroad
- Book a vehicle with enough luggage space — two large suitcases per passenger need an Innova for 3–4 people. See which car to book.
- Carry snacks and water; highway dhabas at Murthal are a common breakfast stop but add time.
- Night journeys are common; choose an operator with experienced night drivers.
- Keep a printed copy of tickets in case phone batteries die.
Fog season
Dense fog on NH44 between December and January can slow traffic sharply and sometimes delays flights too. Leave earlier, choose a reliable operator, and check flight status before leaving home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which terminal do Air Canada and Air India international flights use?
Long-haul international flights generally use Terminal 3, but always confirm on your ticket — terminal allocations can change.
Can the taxi driver come inside the terminal?
No. Only ticketed passengers can enter the departure terminal. For arrivals, the driver waits in the pickup or parking area.
How much waiting time do taxis give for arrivals?
It varies by operator. Many offer a free waiting period after landing and then charge per hour. Confirm in advance.
For taxi operators
Pages that answer these questions rank well and win airport bookings. Read our airport taxi marketing guide or contact Joboo Web.