I got to the domestic terminal of Indira Gandhi Airport, a.k.a. New Delhi Airport, at 3 a.m. and realized I had overlooked one thing.
The airport at 3 a.m.
And that is: India is such a huge country that no matter whether it’s 3 a.m. or any other hour, there are more than enough people flying. Everywhere is far enough that you have to fly, so all the regional flights end up at night, and even at night the airport is packed. New Delhi Airport keeps expanding, but even so, whether you go at night or whenever, it’s overflowing with people.
Airport scenery
And one more thing I learned when I entered the country last time: in India they make you take every single metal item out of your bag for inspection. If even one thing shows up, it takes time to dig it out. I didn’t know this before, so my bag didn’t get through in one go and I had to have it searched. Anyway, this time I was well prepared and passed the soldiers’ checkpoint without a hitch.
Airport scenery
Airport scenery
Airport scenery
There were so many people that check-in was tight on time. I just barely made it.
The plane
They use Airbus-family planes. It really felt like riding a bus, I guess..
Delhi Airport
It’s bright even before dawn.
Inside
Naturally there was no in-flight meal.. I think they did hand out drinks though..
The view from the plane
It took three and a half hours to get there.. that’s about the distance of flying to Taiwan, but since it’s a local flight the ride wasn’t all that comfortable, and at one point the plane shook like crazy from a gust of wind. The kind of experience I never want to repeat.. but well, there’s no way around it..
Indian scenery
Indian scenery
Indian scenery
Houses are scattered here and there.
Madurai Airport
It was around 8 in the morning when we landed.
Bus
Transfer by bus..
The airport
It’s so small it hardly deserves to be called an international airport. The only international route seemed to be to Dubai..
The airport
I never expected it to be this size..
Nissin Cup Noodles
I thought about picking one of these up, but in the end I had no time (no time to get to a convenience store..) and never did.. because there was no convenience store near the hotel.. So I guess you have to buy these things when you see them..
Madurai Airport
Stepping outside, it’s incredibly hot. The temperature was 36 degrees or thereabouts.. It’s amazing that IT companies cluster in a place like this, but I guess that’s the power of India..
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