Apropos the timely and lively editorial, "Don't scrap 1D" (September 8), the latest out-of-the-box idea of the Airports Authority of India (AAI) of shutting down Terminal 1D of the IGI Airport in New Delhi and shifting all domestic flights to Terminal 3 in the next three months can only be termed as ill-conceived and irrational. The AAI's move seems to be largely centred around its tussle with the Delhi International Airport Private Limited (DIAL) over the latter's alleged violation of the development plan that envisaged the shutting down of Terminal 1D and building two or three more terminals in its place.
The proposal mooted by the DIAL to expand Terminal 1D so that it may more effectively cater to the expected growth of 30 per cent in domestic air travel seems more logical.
The editorial justifiably suggests that alternatively, the AAI must look into the possibility of reopening the closed old international terminal, which might supplement the DIAL's effort to expand capacity without disruption and make the flier's journey hassle-free.
Further, the AAI's move to close Terminal 1D, if implemented, would put additional financial burden on airlines in the form of airport charges, which are higher at Terminal 3 than at 1D.
Two questions remain: What will happen to the existing infrastructure at 1D? How and in what manner will its premises be gainfully utilised by the AAI, post the shift of operations to Terminal 3?
As Terminal 3 is situated on the outskirts of New Delhi, adjacent to the Haryana township, Gurgaon, shifting operations to that terminal would entail more time and higher costs for Delhi-based domestic fliers.
S Kumar New Delhi
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