February 18th, 1911, may seem like just another day, but it’s a landmark in Indian aviation history. On that day, the first commercial aircraft in India took off from Allahabad, carrying a shipment of airmail. Fast forward to today, and India has transformed into the world’s third-largest aviation market, boasting 22 national airlines and 132 operational airports. In 2018 alone, more than 139 million passengers traveled through India. With integrated transport hubs and world-class facilities, several airports stand out as the busiest airports in India.
India’s busiest airports as listed by Passenger Traffic
Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL)
The Indira Gandhi International Airport, which serves the National Capital Region, is the world’s 12th busiest and India’s busiest airport. In 2018, the aviation hub served more than 69 million passengers, outnumbering airports in Guangzhou, Dallas/Fort Worth, and Singapore. The airport has three runways, one of which is the longest runway in the nation, spanning 4430 feet. There are three terminals at IGI Airport. Furthermore, the airport is recognized as the largest in India.
Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (BOM)
Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport is India’s second busiest airport, with around 50 million people each year. Airports Council International recently awarded it the top airport in Asia-Pacific for Customer Experience with over 40 million passengers, beating both Shanghai Pudong International Airport and the world-famous Singapore Changi Airport. Among the most recent changes in the Jaya He GVK New Museum opening at the T2 terminal. This museum contains approximately 5000 exhibits highlighting India’s airport history.
Kempegowda International Airport (BLR)
Bangalore, the state capital of Karnataka, is a popular destination for both business people and visitors. As a result, it’s no wonder that Kempegowda International Airport, which serves the city, is one of India’s busiest. In 2018-2019, more than 33 million passengers booked flights to or from Kempegowda International Airport. It also serves the world’s biggest airplane, the Airbus A380. The airport is also undergoing construction to increase its capacity. The airport is connected to Bangalore by NH 44.
Chennai International Airport (MAA)
Chennai Airport stands as the fourth busiest airport in India. With connections to key global destinations such as Hong Kong, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai, and a dedicated metro station linking it to the city center, it efficiently serves over 20 million passengers annually.
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU)
Kolkata is served by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, India’s largest airport in the east. It is India’s sixth busiest national airport, with around 20 million passengers in 2017-2018. It received the Airport Council International’s Best Improved Airport Award for two years in a row, in 2014 and 2015. A large number of people who travel to Northeast India also buy inexpensive flight tickets to Kolkata.
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Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYD)
The next name on our list of India’s busiest airports is Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, which serves Hyderabad. Hyderabad is famous among business people for its vibrant information technology industry and visitors for its rich cultural history. During the fiscal year 2017-2018, more than 18 million passengers entered or departed from the Hyderabad airport. The airport village, located beyond the arrivals area, is a unique feature of the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, where transit passengers may visit their family and friends during their stopover.
Cochin International Airport (COK)
Cochin International Airport is located in the Kerala state of Kochi or Cochin. It was the first airport in India to be built using the PPP (public-private partnership) model, with financing provided by over 10,000 non-resident Indians from approximately 30 countries. While Kerala has four international airports, Cochin International Airport remains highly demanded and is one of the busiest in the country. It is India’s first airport that is entirely powered by solar energy. Colombo, Bangkok, Riyadh, Singapore, Kuwait, Doha, Muscat, Bahrain, Dammam, Jeddah, Dubai, Kuala Lumpur, and Sharjah are the international destinations served by this airport.
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (AMD)
Ahmedabad is Gujarat’s capital and biggest city. As a result, it is not surprising that Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport has risen to the top of India’s busiest airports list. Every year, over 10 million passengers depart from or arrive at Ahmedabad airport. Transit passengers may unwind at the airport’s two luxurious lounges.
Pune Airport (PNQ)
Established by the Royal Air Force as an airfield, Pune Airport is India’s eighth busiest airport, receiving about 8 million passengers in FY 2017-2018. The airport’s passenger traffic is expected to skyrocket as Pune’s importance as a commercial and intellectual hub grows.
Dabolim Airport (GOI)
Goa’s Dabolim Airport is the primary gateway for beach lovers and partygoers. With high footfall during peak tourist season, it remains among the busiest airports in India, catering to both domestic and international travelers.
India’s aviation industry has made remarkable progress and shows no signs of slowing down. With rising demand for air travel, the busiest airports in India are continuously expanding and upgrading to meet international standards. Whether you’re a frequent flier or planning a vacation, these airports ensure a smooth and world-class travel experience.