The developers claim this will be the sixth largest terminal in the world when it opens. This terminal will be able to handle 27 million next year and capacity would be enhanced to 34 million by 2012. And going by the understanding reached with the government, it should reach 100 million by 2026 the last phase of this construction effort. With 78 aerobridges, of which 71 are already installed, the new terminal will be one of the few in the world to service all aircraft through aerobridges. The terminal building covers an area of about 5 million square feet just the area of its roof accounts for 20 acres.
Once inside the departure hall, there will be six check-in islands with 168 check-in counters. This will be an integrated terminal for both domestic and international flights, which will make it easier for transit passengers. A multi-level car parking facility for 4,300 cars is well on course to be ready by next year. Over 20,000 workers are working round the clock everyday among them 100 foreign nationals working in the planning and construction effort to give wings to one of India’s most ambitious projects. About 82 per cent work is over and its developers the GMR group and Fraport (Frankfurt Airport) are confident the airport will be ready in the next four months.
While the developers have to get the terminal ready by March 2010, it may get operational only by July after all the certifications are in place. Once the new terminal opens, the plan is to keep the current international terminal (T2) as a buffer, which can be used to step up capacity during special occasions like the Commonwealth Games.
Airport Council International, Geneva, is said to have been rating the under construction terminal every quarter. Its marking is 4.2 while the quality standard set by the government requires a minimum of 3.5.