Where is Palam Airport? The Historic Delhi Airbase Making Headlines for VVIP Arrivals

As news channels flash visuals of Prime Minister Narendra Modi receiving Russian President Vladimir Putin today, a familiar but often confusing name has resurfaced: Palam Airport.

For those asking, “Where exactly is Palam Airport?”, the answer lies in the heart of India’s capital aviation network. Palam Airport is not a separate, hidden facility; it is the technical and domestic wing of what we now know as the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport.

The Location: Palam, South-West Delhi

Located approximately 16 kilometers southwest of the New Delhi city center, “Palam Airport” is situated in the Palam area of Delhi.

• Modern Identity: In 1986, the airport was officially renamed Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI).
• Current Usage: While the international operations moved to the swanky Terminal 3, the name “Palam” is still colloquially used for Terminal 1 (the domestic hub) and, most importantly, the Air Force Station Palam, which serves as the exclusive gateway for VVIPs.

Why is it in the News Today?

The name is trending today because Russian President Vladimir Putin landed at the Palam Air Force Station this evening (Thursday, December 4, 2025).

Breaking protocol, Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally traveled to the Palam technical area to receive the Russian leader with a warm hug, signaling the importance of the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit. This highly secured section of the airport is reserved for heads of state, the President, and the Prime Minister, distinct from the civilian terminals used by general passengers.

A Brief History

• Origins: Established by the British Raj during World War II as a Royal Air Force base.
• 1962: Became Delhi’s primary passenger airport (replacing Safdarjung Airport).
• 1986: Renamed IGI Airport with the opening of Terminal 2.
• Today: It remains the busiest aviation hub in India, handling over 70 million passengers annually, while its “Palam” wing continues to serve as the nation’s diplomatic front door.

So, the next time you fly out of Terminal 1 or see a foreign leader landing in Delhi, you are standing on the historic grounds of Palam Airport.