It's complete chaos at Delhi airport, so how do you take a flight this holiday season?

Going by Twitterati's description of Delhi airport right now, it seems like Hunger Games out there to catch flights. People have some choicest of words and phrases to describe the situation at the Indira Gandhi International Airport - all the way from a fish market to a long obstacle race. 

So, if you have a flight to board from Delhi airport this holiday season, you need a strategy. We have some tips that will help you have a less bumpy experience: 

• Use the DigiYatra app: If you want to avoid the long, frustrating queues at the airport, then your best option is to go through the DigiYatra lane. And for that, you will have to download the app and complete all the prerequisites before you head out. 

Jet Airways CEO Sajiv Kapoor rated his experience of using the DigiYatra app from Delhi airport a solid 9/10. He said that while he and his wife experienced a few glitches while uploading their data on the app and generating the QR code, it was worth it as they got the "envious" stares from other passengers at the airport waiting in a queue as they quickly made their way inside. 

• Web check-in: A lot of people ignore this part, but given the rush right now, it is highly recommended that you complete the web check-in before reaching the airport. Some airlines also allow you to select the seat and the meal of your choice. This will help cut the processing time at the check-in counter. 
• Reach early: IndiGo has advised all domestic passengers boarding a flight from Delhi airport to reach the airport at least 3.5 hours before departure. Earlier, it used to be 2 hours. If you have an international flight to board, throw in at least 4 hours before your takeoff.    
• Travel light: Travelling light will never go out of style, but it is required now more than ever. Keep all your electronics and things you will have to put in a tray at the security check in one place, so you are not fumbling around. Given the rush, IndiGo recommended that passengers carry only one handbag. 

• Keep your documents handy: Ensure you keep all your documents ready and in hand. If you are not going through DigiYatra, keep a copy of your ticket (hardcopy or softcopy) and an ID card (passport for international travel) handy. At other checks like immigration, keep all your necessary documents in one file to avoid digging around at the counter.    
• Avoid peak hours: Peak hours at Delhi airport are usually around 5-9 am and 4-8 pm. If you can, avoid the peak hour flights. Usually, early-morning flights for domestic travel and late-night flights for international travel are jam-packed with people; and the airport, in turn, is as well. 
• Check out the airport map: If you are new to the airport, ensure that you have a look at the airport map to find the nearest possible entry. This way you won't be lost in an already crowded place. This is especially helpful if you have someone using a wheelchair.    

The chaos at Delhi airport has been making headlines for the past few days. The problem is so grave that Union Minister for Civil Aviation Jyotiraditya Scindia had to make a surprise visit to the premises to see, firsthand, what's happening. 

What's the government doing? Scindia, after his inspection, said that they are increasing the security check lines to 16 from 13 and are planning to eventually increase it to 20 lines. 

Long queues, crowding, shouting, missed flights, confusion, frustration, anger, screaming, etc; this is what it takes to catch a flight from India's biggest airport, according to people.

Twitter is flooded with stories of people missing their flights despite being several hours early, having to pay enormous amounts to book another flight, the elderly and children having to go through impossible situations, and more. 

Due to various reasons, Delhi airport seems to be unable to handle the massive footfalls. Everything from the holiday season rush and staff crunch to the slow process has been blamed for the chaos. 

[Check out the best Christmas markets around the world]

December 2022 is also the first year in three years to face the full brunt of holiday-season travellers. Covid played spoilsport in 2020 and 2021, and this year, people seem keen on making up for all that lost travelling.

[READ: 10 places you can travel to this Christmas and New Year without breaking the bank]

Delhi's IGI airport handles around 1.9 lakh passengers and 1,200 flights every day.