How to Book Flights to Delhi
Book flights to Delhi through Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) using comparison sites like Google Flights or Skyscanner, then book directly with airlines. Tuesday-Thursday departures are typically cheapest, and booking 2-3 months ahead gets better prices for international flights.
- Choose your Delhi airport. Delhi has one main airport: Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), about 45 minutes southwest of central Delhi. All international and most domestic flights use this airport. Use airport code DEL when searching.
- Use flight comparison sites first. Start with Google Flights, Skyscanner, or Momondo to compare prices across airlines. Set up price alerts if you're flexible on dates. These sites show you the cheapest days to fly over a month-long period.
- Book directly with the airline. Once you find your preferred flight, book directly on the airline's website. This gives you better customer service, easier changes, and often the same price as third-party sites. For India flights, check Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, and international carriers like Emirates or Qatar Airways.
- Time your booking right. For international flights to Delhi, book 2-3 months ahead. For domestic Indian flights, 3-6 weeks is optimal. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday departures are typically 10-20% cheaper than weekend flights.
- Consider stopover options. Direct flights to Delhi exist from major hubs, but connecting through Dubai, Doha, or Istanbul can be significantly cheaper. Allow at least 2 hours for connections. Some airlines offer free stopovers if you want to explore the connecting city.
- Check visa requirements before booking. Most travelers need an e-visa for India, which takes 3-5 business days to process. Don't book your flight until you confirm you can get your visa in time. Some nationalities can get visa-on-arrival.
- Which airlines have the best flights to Delhi?
- Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Air India offer good international service. For domestic connections, IndiGo and Vistara have the best on-time records. Budget carriers like SpiceJet work fine for short domestic hops.
- Is it cheaper to book flights to Delhi during certain months?
- Yes. Avoid November-February (peak season) and major Indian holidays. April-June is hot but cheapest for international flights. Monsoon season (July-September) has moderate prices.
- How early should I arrive at Delhi airport for international flights?
- 3 hours for international departures, 2 hours for domestic. Delhi airport is large and can have long security lines. Immigration can take 30-60 minutes during peak hours.
- Can I change or cancel my flight to Delhi easily?
- Depends on your ticket type. Full-fare tickets usually allow free changes. Budget airline tickets often have change fees of $50-200. Travel insurance can cover unexpected cancellations.