By India is home to some of the largest and most advanced airports in the world. Here’s a detailed overview of the top 10 largest airports in India, ranked based on their passenger traffic and infrastructure.
1. Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi (DEL)
Location: Delhi NCR, Delhi
Passenger Traffic: 73,673,708 annually
Growth Rate: 12.8%
Overview: Indira Gandhi International Airport is the largest and busiest airport in India. It has three terminals (T1, T2, and T3), with T3 being one of the largest in the world. The airport offers extensive shopping, dining options, and world-class amenities. It’s well-connected to the city via the Delhi Metro’s Airport Express Line.
2. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai (BOM)
Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra
Passenger Traffic: 52,820,754 annually
Growth Rate: 20.2%
Overview: Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport is known for its impressive architecture and art collection. It has two main terminals: T1 for domestic flights and T2 for international flights. The airport provides a wide range of lounges and facilities for travelers.
3. Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru (BLR)
Location: Bengaluru, Karnataka
Passenger Traffic: 37,528,533 annually
Growth Rate: 17.6%
Overview: Kempegowda International Airport is noted for its green initiatives and high-tech facilities. With two terminals (T1 and T2), the airport is well-connected to Bengaluru city via public transportation, offering convenience for travelers.
4. Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad (HYD)
Location: Hyderabad, Telangana
Passenger Traffic: 25,042,282 annually
Growth Rate: 19.3%
Overview: Rajiv Gandhi International Airport features a single integrated terminal and has won multiple awards for passenger service. It offers extensive amenities and is in the midst of rapid expansion to accommodate increasing traffic.
5. Chennai International Airport, Chennai (MAA)
Location: Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Passenger Traffic: 21,207,262 annually
Growth Rate: 14.2%
Overview: Chennai International Airport has two terminals (domestic and international) and has recently undergone significant renovations to enhance passenger comfort and connectivity. It serves as a major hub for flights across South India.
6. Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata (CCU)
Location: Kolkata, West Bengal
Passenger Traffic: 19,784,417 annually
Growth Rate: 11.3%
Overview: Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport serves as a major hub for flights to Northeast India and Southeast Asia. It combines modern facilities with historical significance, making it a key airport in the region.
7. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad (AMD)
Location: Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Passenger Traffic: 11,696,227 annually
Growth Rate: 15.4%
Overview: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport is a major hub in Western India. It offers excellent passenger services and has ongoing expansion projects to meet the growing demand.
8. Cochin International Airport, Kochi (COK)
Location: Kochi, Kerala
Passenger Traffic: 10,365,655 annually
Growth Rate: 17.6%
Overview: Cochin International Airport is notable for being the world’s first fully solar-powered airport. It has three terminals (domestic, international, and business jet) and has excellent connectivity to Middle Eastern countries.
9. Pune Airport, Pune (PNQ)
Location: Pune, Maharashtra
Passenger Traffic: 9,525,484 annually
Growth Rate: 19.0%
Overview: Pune Airport has a single integrated terminal and is experiencing rapid growth in passenger traffic. Its strategic location near Mumbai makes it an important airport for domestic flights.
10. Dabolim Airport, Goa (GOI)
Location: Dabolim, Goa
Passenger Traffic: 6,872,411 annually
Growth Rate: -17.8%
Overview: Dabolim Airport is a key gateway for international tourists visiting Goa. It has two terminals (domestic and international) and is known for its scenic approach and significant charter flight operations.
FAQs
Q1: What is the largest airport in India?
A1: The largest airport in India is Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in Delhi, handling over 73 million passengers annually.
Q2: Which Indian airport handles most international flights?
A2: Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) handle the most international flights in India.
Q3: First fully solar-powered airport in India?
A3: Cochin International Airport (COK) in Kochi is the world’s first fully solar-powered airport.
Q4: How many terminals does Kempegowda Airport have?
A4: Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) in Bengaluru has two terminals, T1 and T2.
Q5: Famous Indian airports for its architecture and art collection?
A5: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) in Mumbai is renowned for its impressive architecture and extensive art collection.
Q6: Which Indian airport has recently undergone important renovations?
A6: Chennai International Airport (MAA) in Chennai has recently undergone significant renovations to enhance passenger comfort and connectivity.
Q7: Major airports for flights to Northeast India?
A7: Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU) in Kolkata is a major hub for flights to Northeast India.
Q8: Total Passenger traffic at Rajiv Gandhi Airport?
A8: Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYD) in Hyderabad handles over 25 million passengers annually.
Q9: Which Indian airport is experiencing rapid growth?
A9: Pune Airport (PNQ) is strategically located near Mumbai and is experiencing rapid growth in passenger traffic.
Q10: Which Indian airport is best for international tourists?
A10: Dabolim Airport (GOI) serves as a key gateway for international tourists visiting Goa.
Conclusion
These top 10 largest airports in India are crucial to the country’s aviation infrastructure, offering world-class facilities and services to millions of passengers. Whether traveling domestically or internationally, these airports ensure a comfortable and efficient journey, making them essential hubs in India’s transportation network.
