2 days ago
Delhi Airport Launches Free Reading Zone For Waiting Passengers
Delhi Airport has started a reading program called Read@DEL.
Passengers waiting for flights can choose a book for free.
They can read it and return it to the Reading Zone afterward.
This allows another passenger to use the same book.
The program is currently available at Terminal 1.
Passengers can also scan QR codes to read more than 10,000 magazines and newspapers online.
Many people praised the idea.
One aviation student said it should be checked to ensure the books remain accessible and useful.
A similar free-book program called Flybrary is available at 68 airports in India.
Delhi Airport has launched Read@DEL to encourage passengers to read while waiting for flights.
The initiative lets passengers pick up a book, read it, and return it for someone else.
Read@DEL is currently available at Terminal 1 of Delhi Airport.
QR codes across the terminals provide access to more than 10,000 magazines and newspapers online.
The nationwide Flybrary program offers free book exchanges at 68 airports, according to the article.
- Who
- Delhi Airport, with the initiative inaugurated by Deputy CEO Manomay Rai, launched Read@DEL for passengers.
- What
- A free reading program allows passengers to borrow, read, and return books, while QR codes provide digital publications.
- Where
- The Reading Zone is currently at Terminal 1 of Delhi Airport, with QR codes available across the terminals.
- When
- The initiative has recently been launched; the articles do not provide a specific date.
- Why
- The program aims to encourage reading and give passengers an alternative to scrolling while waiting or during layovers.
Supporters
Cautious observers
Value for waiting passengers
Supporters
The initiative can make airport waiting time more useful and encourage people to read and learn.
Cautious observers
Its success will depend on whether passengers actually use the Reading Zone and whether the books remain easy to access.
Future expansion
Supporters
Strong engagement could support extending the program to more terminals.
Cautious observers
Expansion should follow evidence that the books are regularly maintained and the initiative remains active beyond its launch.
Key facts
- Initiative
- Read@DEL
- Current location
- Terminal 1 of Delhi Airport
- Physical books
- Passengers can pick up, read, and return books for the next reader.
- Digital access
- QR codes provide access to more than 10,000 magazines and newspapers.
- National comparison
- The Ministry of Civil Aviation and Airports Authority of India's Flybrary program operates at 68 airports.
- Public response
- Social media users praised the initiative, while one aviation student raised questions about access, maintenance, and usage.
Quotes
An Aviation Management student
An aviation management student who assessed the initiative’s potential and implementation challenges.
“This is a simple idea, but it could actually make waiting at the airport feel a little less wasted. I especially like the 'return it for the next reader' part. The bigger test will be whether the books are easy to access, regularly maintained and actually used by passengers. If the Reading Zone gets good engagement, expanding it across more terminals could make this more than just a launch-day initiative.”
NDTV
“I really appreciate the initiative; it will motivate all to read and learn.”
NDTV







