Airport news: American Airlines moves into new, state-of-the-art Terminal 3 in Delhi

FORT WORTH, Texas - Passengers departing on American Airlines 293 from Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport tonight will be doing so from brand new facilities following the move by American Airlines, a founding member of the oneworld Alliance(R), into new, spacious, and state-of-the-art Terminal 3.

"We are delighted to make this move because it improves the travel experience for our valued customers," said Raj Sidhu, American's U.S. - India Sales Manager. "Departing passengers will benefit from specially-designed and dedicated U.S. departure gates where security-related formalities will be completed efficiently and comfortably. Soon, connecting customers will enjoy quicker and smoother onward transfers when domestic flights begin operating from the same terminal, which is slated to occur on Aug. 27."

Starting in mid-August, First Class, Business Class, Emerald and Sapphire tier passengers departing on American will be able to use the brand new lounge of oneworld member-elect Kingfisher Airlines. This lounge offers such amenities as showers and refreshments, including a wide range of hot and cold food choices. The lounge is located beyond the immigration and security area and allows passengers to make fuller use of their time before heading to the departure gate. Until mid August, eligible American passengers are invited to use the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Cafe, located in the Terminal 3 Departure Level after security and immigration.

Customers with a longer layover can take advantage of the airport's 60-room transit hotel facility, which offers day rooms.

Additionally, the Airport Express Metro Line is due to open in September and will offer passengers improved connectivity to downtown New Delhi. Passengers will take 18 minutes to travel from the airport to the city in air-conditioned comfort. Airport officials are hopeful that Terminal 3 passengers will need at most, 45 minutes from touchdown to exit the airport.