Delhi Metro starts check-in for international flyers

Delhi Metro’s Airport Express Line Thursday began checking in baggage of passengers headed to the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) airport at two key stations.

In a step which will add to the convenience of thousands, the New Delhi railway station and Shivaji stadium metro stations are accepting the passenger baggage.

“International flyers can collect boarding passes at the metro stations and go for security check at the airport without the hassle of carrying their luggage,” said an official of Reliance Infrastructure, which runs the line.

Mirza Muzaffar, a passenger headed to Abu Dhabi by Air India, said he was happy with the facility.

“I have no worry as I have checked in and cleared it,” he said.

Leonardo Melise from Johannesberg, who was heading to Brazil, was equally happy.

“I did not know it was starting today but it is very convenient,” he said.

Passengers will have to check in and collect their boarding passes a minimum of two-and-a-half hours prior to their flight time, and maximum of eight hours prior to their flight time.

There is no compulsion of reaching the airport using the metro. But the
baggage will be transported to the flight.

The 23-km airport line, with six stations, connects New Delhi Railway Station with the Indira Gandhi International airport in 18 minutes. It has a ridership of 20,000 commuters.

Check-in facility for domestic fliers is already in operation.