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Verdict

Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) scores higher overall at 7.8/10 versus Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) at 7.8/10.

Score comparison

Metric Beijing Capital International Airport Indira Gandhi International Airport
FlightLogic Score 7.8 7.8
On-Time Performance 7.6 7.5
Passenger Experience 7.7 7.7
Facilities & Comfort 8.0 8.2
Lounge Score 8.4 8.0
City Beijing New Delhi
Country China India
Terminals 3 terminals (T1, T2, T3) 3 terminals (T1 domestic, T2 regional, T3 international)
Annual passengers 73M+ 72M+

Operational comparison

Transport links, lounge access, connection times, and UK261 eligibility — verify locally before travel.

Policy PEK — Beijing DEL — Indira
Rail / public transport
To city centre
Lounge day pass
Min. connection time
Primary hub carriers

Detailed profiles

Beijing, China · PEK · #1 in this comparison

Beijing Capital International Airport

3 terminals (T1, T2, T3) · 73M+ passengers/year

7.8 / 10

How good is Beijing Capital International Airport?

Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) scores 7.8/10 (Very Good) on FlightLogic's airport index — combining on-time performance (7.6), passenger experience (7.7), and facilities (8.0). Lounge quality rates 8.4/10. See full airport guide →

In short

Beijing Capital PEK scores 7.8/10 on FlightLogic with lounge score 8.4/10. Terminal 3 hosts Air China and Star Alliance international flights. Allow 90+ minutes for connections and immigration. Not to be confused with Daxing PKX. See /guides/beijing-airport-lounge-guide.

FlightLogic Score 7.8 Very Good
On-time 7.6 Departure reliability
Experience 7.7 Staff, queues, cleanliness
Facilities 8.0 Food, shops, seating
Lounges 8.4 Lounge quality
Rating basis Editorial FlightLogic methodology

Score breakdown

Modelled on industry airport indices — on-time data, facilities ratings, and editorial experience signals combined into a single FlightLogic score.

On-Time Performance
7.6
Passenger Experience
7.7
Facilities & Comfort
8.0
Lounge score 8.4/10

Highlights

  • Terminal 3 is among the world's largest airport buildings — Air China First and Business lounges
  • Star Alliance carriers consolidate in T3 for international departures
  • Common connection point for UK–China and UK–Southeast Asia on Air China and partners
  • Beijing Daxing (PKX) serves some carriers separately — check ticket carefully

Overview

Air China and Star Alliance hub — Terminal 3 dragon-themed mega-terminal with strong premium lounges for UK–China and UK–Asia routings.

Terminal 3 and Air China lounges

Terminal 3 serves most international Star Alliance traffic including Air China long-haul. First and Business lounges offer Chinese and international buffet dining with shower suites.

UK passport holders typically need a visa for China unless qualifying for 144-hour transit visa-free in Beijing — verify current rules before planning a layover exit.

New Delhi, India · DEL · #2 in this comparison

Indira Gandhi International Airport

3 terminals (T1 domestic, T2 regional, T3 international) · 72M+ passengers/year

7.8 / 10

How good is Indira Gandhi International Airport?

Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) scores 7.8/10 (Very Good) on FlightLogic's airport index — combining on-time performance (7.5), passenger experience (7.7), and facilities (8.2). Lounge quality rates 8.0/10. See full airport guide →

In short

Delhi DEL scores 7.8/10 — India's #1 airport and UK–North India hub. T3 international. Metro to city ~20 min. See /guides/uk-india-flights-guide and /guides/delhi-airport-lounge-guide.

FlightLogic Score 7.8 Very Good
On-time 7.5 Departure reliability
Experience 7.7 Staff, queues, cleanliness
Facilities 8.2 Food, shops, seating
Lounges 8.0 Lounge quality
Rating basis Editorial FlightLogic methodology

Score breakdown

Modelled on industry airport indices — on-time data, facilities ratings, and editorial experience signals combined into a single FlightLogic score.

On-Time Performance
7.5
Passenger Experience
7.7
Facilities & Comfort
8.2
Lounge score 8.0/10

Highlights

  • Primary UK–North India gateway — direct BA, Air India, Virgin Atlantic from Heathrow
  • T3 international hub — Plaza Premium, Air India Maharaja, and Star Alliance lounges
  • Metro Airport Express to New Delhi ~20 min — fastest city link
  • UK–India VFR traffic peaks Dec–Jan and Jun–Aug — book early

Overview

India's busiest airport and primary UK–India gateway — Air India, BA, Virgin Atlantic direct plus one-stop via Gulf hubs on Emirates, Qatar, and Etihad.

UK routing options

Direct: BA, Air India, Virgin Atlantic from LHR (11–12 hrs). One-stop: Emirates (DXB), Qatar (DOH), Etihad (AUH) often price lower in business class.

Compare DEL vs Mumbai (/airports/mumbai) for your destination state — DEL for North India, BOM for West/South.

More comparisons

Compare Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) against 59 other airports
Compare Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) against 59 other airports

FAQ

Which is better, Beijing Capital International Airport or Indira Gandhi International Airport?

Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) scores higher overall at 7.8/10 versus Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) at 7.8/10.

Which has better lounges, PEK or DEL?

Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) scores higher for lounges at 8.4/10, versus Indira Gandhi International Airport at 8.0/10.

Which airport is more on-time, PEK or DEL?

Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) has stronger on-time performance at 7.6/10 versus Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) at 7.5/10.