A recent social media post detailing a traveler’s overnight layover experience at the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) in New Delhi has gone viral, surprising internet users with the unexpected amenities available inside the terminal building.

The post, shared by investor Rahul Mathur, showcased his stay at the Holiday Inn Express, which is uniquely located inside Terminal 3. Mathur had a 13-hour stopover after his initial flight was canceled, leading him to discover the facilities of the transit hotel.

The most notable feature highlighted in the viral thread was a dedicated badminton court tucked away within the airport building.

In addition to the indoor sports facility, the hotel offers several other distinctive perks for guests. Mathur noted that the on-site gym is positioned to provide clear views of the airport tarmac, allowing travelers to watch planes land and take off while exercising. The hotel also features a 24-hour restaurant.

Mathur described the experience as unusual. While noting that the rooms were standard size and relatively small, he mentioned that his room, which overlooked the main check-in area of T3, had a low, constant “buzzing noise” despite the good sound insulation.

A key logistical point shared by the traveler is that, being a transit facility, guests are restricted from exiting the hotel premises until their scheduled check-out. However, the major advantage is the unparalleled convenience: direct and swift access to the check-in and immigration queues upon departure.

Mathur confirmed the cost was approximately ₹17,000 (including GST) for the stay. While expensive, he suggested the price could be justified by the significant time saved, arguing that the all-in cost of nearby five-star options would be similar after factoring in travel expenses. Official regulations for the facility limit stays to one night and restrict access only to passengers departing from Terminal 3.