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Passengers connecting from domestic flights to international flights through Delhi Airport should check the latest boarding pass and immigration requirements before travelling. The revised transfer procedures aim to improve passenger verification and prevent travellers from missing mandatory immigration checks.
The rules distinguish regular connecting flights from journeys under India’s special hub-and-spoke model. Here is what international passengers need to know.
What Are the New International Transfer Boarding Pass Rules?
India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation has introduced a hub-and-spoke model to improve international connectivity through major airports such as Delhi.
Under this model, eligible passengers receive two separate boarding passes at their originating airport. The passes carry different indicators:
- D: Domestic flight segment
- I: International flight segment
Passengers must follow the designated transfer process for their itinerary. Airlines and airport staff must also ensure that travellers follow the correct route before boarding their connecting flights.
Is Immigration Mandatory at Delhi Airport?
Delhi Airport’s official departure guidelines state that international passengers must clear immigration before boarding their flights.
Passengers should keep their valid passports, applicable visas and boarding passes ready for verification. After immigration clearance, they must complete security screening before proceeding to the departure area.
However, eligible passengers travelling under the approved hub-and-spoke model can complete immigration at their designated originating airport. They should follow their airline’s instructions for the specific journey.
Will Passengers Receive Both Boarding Passes at the First Airport?
The answer depends on the type of connecting journey.
Under the hub-and-spoke model, eligible passengers receive separate domestic and international boarding passes at the originating airport. The model also allows eligible travellers to complete immigration formalities before reaching the main hub.
Passengers on regular interline or codeshare connections should confirm the boarding pass collection process with their airline. They should not assume that receiving an onward boarding pass automatically completes immigration requirements.
What Should Passengers Do Before Flying Through Delhi Airport?
Passengers can take these steps to avoid last-minute confusion:
- Confirm your itinerary: Check whether your journey follows the regular connecting-flight process or an approved hub-and-spoke arrangement.
- Keep travel documents ready: Carry your passport, applicable visa and boarding passes.
- Check with your airline: Confirm where you must collect your onward boarding pass and complete immigration.
- Follow transfer signs: Use the designated route for your connecting flight and ask airport staff if you need help.
- Allow enough time: Delhi Airport advises international passengers to arrive at least three hours before departure.
What Is the Main Purpose of the Revised Transfer Process?
The revised procedures aim to strengthen passenger verification and ensure that travellers complete the required immigration formalities. They also support India’s broader plan to improve domestic-to-international connectivity through Indian airports.
Passengers should check the latest instructions from their airline before travelling, as the applicable process can depend on their route and transfer arrangement.
For official passenger information, visit the Delhi Airport website and review its immigration and customs departure guide.
Disclaimer: Passengers should confirm the latest transfer and boarding pass requirements with their airline or the relevant airport authority before departure.
