Being the 7th largest nation in the world, there is no wonder our country is home to so many airports. In this article, we explore the biggest airports in India, massive aviation hubs, showcasing their large size and facilitating smooth travel for millions of passengers.
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Here are 15 Biggest Airports serving passengers
15 Biggest Airports In India
Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi
Indira Gandhi International Airport is the most important and largest airport in India servicing the wonderful capital city of Delhi.
Unsurprisingly, it is also the longest airport in India with a runway length of 4430m. It is also one of the busiest airports in India in terms of cargo and passenger traffic, and is commonly simply referred to as Delhi Airport.
With over 3.6 million seats, it is the world’s second busiest airport by seating capacity and the largest airport in Asia by passenger flow, with over 37 million passengers in 2021.
IGI offers modern amenities such as lounges, diverse shopping and dining options, currency exchange, transportation services, medical facilities, free Wi-Fi, charging stations, baggage services, information desks, and special assistance for passengers with reduced mobility or disabilities.
- IATA code: DEL
- Number of airlines visiting: 59
- Total destinations: 97
- Passenger traffic: 65.3 million
- Official site: New Delhi Airport
Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, Mumbai
Shivaji International Airport in Mumbai is another busiest airports in India named after the Maratha warrior of India, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
After the IGI airport in Delhi, it is the 2nd biggest airport in India. It covers an area of 1450 acres and can accommodate more than 40 million visitors each year.
The airport has 136 immigration counters, 208 check-in desks, 2400 CCTV cameras, 161 lifts, a luggage storage facility and free Wi-Fi in all terminals. There are currency exchange counters and ATMs (run by state banks, Kotak Mahendra, Citibank, and others).
- IATA code: BOM
- Number of airlines visiting: 49
- Total destinations: 83
- Passenger traffic: 43.9 million
- Official site: Mumbai Airport
Kempegowda International Airport, Bangalore
The airport is named after Kempe Gowda I, the founder of Bangalore, and is located about 40 kilometers north of the city in the village of Devanahalli.
Kempegowda International Airport, with a capacity of roughly 25 million people per year, has been recognized as one of the top airports in India in terms of cargo operations and passenger traffic.
Furthermore, the airport handles approximately 1000 flights per day, with international departures increasing by 25 per day.
Food and Beverage, Duty-Free Stores, Lost and found Services, Baggage Wrapping, Medical Services, Forex & ATMs, The Quad, Art & Culture, Taj Bangalore, Transit Hotel, Self-Baggage Drop, and Relax Lounge are among the airport services and facilities.
Passengers at the airport can enjoy free Wi-Fi for 45 minutes, sleep pods, a pay-per-use lounge at Terminal 1, and Italian food at the domestic terminal.
- IATA code: BLR
- Number of airlines visiting: 28
- Total destinations: 40
- Passenger traffic: 31.9 million
- Official site: Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru
Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad
The Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, located near Hyderabad, is India’s largest airport, handling about 5,500 aircraft each day.
It is situated in the city of Shamshabad in the Indian state of Hyderabad. It is also the biggest airport in India by area, spanning 5459 acres. It was also India’s first airport to implement E-Boarding for all domestic travelers.
Check-in counters, Premium Lounges, Lost and found Services, Sanitary Pad Vending Machines, Smoking Zones, wheelchairs, Prayer Rooms, Baggage Transfers, and a medical service are provided 24 hours a day, seven days a week, as well as free Wi-Fi inside the airport for two hours. On-site, there are 15 baby care rooms.
- IATA code: HYD
- Number of airlines visiting: 20
- Total destinations: 32
- Passenger traffic: 20.9 million
- Official site: Hyderabad Airport
Chennai International Airport, Chennai
With about eighteen million passengers, Chennai International Airport is one of the top airports in India, particularly in terms of cargo facilities and international as well as overall passenger traffic.
In addition, this important international airport in India serves as the regional headquarters of the Airports Authority of India in South India.
It is also the first in India to contain a passenger satellite terminal known as T6. It is regarded as one of India’s best international airports, with domestic and international terminals, and is located in the Madras Metropolitan Area.
Passengers can store their luggage at the airport for up to one week and get free access to lounges in both domestic and international terminals, including the Travel Club International lounge, which is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Furthermore, Wi-Fi services are available for free for 45 minutes if you have an Indian phone number from which you will obtain your PIN. ATMs, currency exchange counters, food and beverages, duty-free shopping, Self-Check In, Retiring Room, and baby care facilities are also available in all terminals.
- IATA code: MAA
- Number of airlines visiting: 32
- Total destinations: 40
- Passenger traffic: 18.5 million
- Official site: Chennai Airport
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Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata
This airport was named after the legendary Indian Independence Movement nationalist leader Subhash Chandra Bose.
It is 2460 acres in size and is located in the Dum Dum neighborhood of Kolkata, West Bengal, India. It is the country’s fastest-growing airport, with a 27% growth in passengers per year.
At the airport, there is free Wi-Fi, Duty-Free Shopping, child care facilities, lounges, medical aid, Forex, ATMs, prayer rooms, post offices, pharmacy, spas, currency exchanges, and smoking lounges. Wheelchairs are also provided for those who require them.
- IATA code: CCU
- Number of airlines visiting: 19
- Total destinations: 37
- Passenger traffic: 17.7 million
- Official site: Kolkata Airport
Sardar Vallabhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad
Sardar Vallabhai Patel International Airport, another significant airport in India, is named after India’s First Deputy Prime Minister.
It is a hub city for Indigo Airlines and GoAir. It is now the principal international airport serving Ahmedabad and the neighboring state of Gujarat.
The airport has three terminals, two for domestic flights and one for international flights. It also features a freight terminal that can carry around 51,637 tonnes of cargo, making it one of India’s largest airports with a large cargo capacity.
- IATA code: AMD
- Number of airlines visiting: 13
- Total destinations: 18
- Passenger traffic: 10.1 million
- Official site: Ahmedabad Airport
Cochin International Airport, Kochi
The Cochin International Airport, a major contributor to Kerala’s economy, is India’s first airport to be entirely powered by solar energy.
Since 1999, the Cochin Airport has grown to become a hub for Air India, SpiceJet, and Indigo Airlines. It is now one of India’s major airports established through a public-private partnership (PPP) concept.
The airport has three main terminals, two domestic and one international. It also features a cargo port with 120,000 square feet of floor space.
Meeting and greeting services are provided for a fee at Cochin International Airport. The station is outfitted with lighting signage to provide advice and recommendations, regular phone service with STD and ISD capabilities, and free luggage trolleys and many more facilities are available here.
- IATA code: COK
- Number of airlines visiting: 24
- Total destinations: 22
- Passenger traffic: 8.8 million
- Official site: Cochin Airport
Dabolim Airport
Dabolim International Airport, built-in 1955 by the Government of the Portuguese State of India, is another busiest airport in India that serves the state of Goa.
The Airports Authority of India operates the airport, which is owned by the Government of Goa and the Indian Navy. With its Air Traffic Control procedure, the airport provides cash for the Indian Navy.
Although the Dabolim Airport is not the largest in India, it handles approximately 5000 tonnes of cargo each year.
The airport’s architecture was created by the Indian-based architecture firm Creative Group, and its terminal features approximately 75 check-in counters. However, the Indian Civil Aviation Ministry just confirmed the proposed increase.
Currency exchange, medical services, free wifi, baggage trolley, mobile charging stations, rest room, lost and found, food and beverages Spa, porterage service, lounge services, retail therapy shops are available at the airport.
- IATA code: GOI
- Number of airlines visiting: 9
- Total destinations: 12
- Passenger traffic: 8.3 million
- Official site: Dabolim Airport
Pune Airport
Pune Airport, which is owned by the Indian Air Force, is also one of India’s main airports. The airport is operated by the Airports Authority of India and serves as a hub for Indigo Airlines.
Direct flights are available from the airport to major Indian cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Bangalore, as well as foreign destinations such as Dubai, Muscat, Sharjah, Kuwait, and Abu Dhabi.
There is also a dedicated cargo terminal at the airport, which can handle up to 150,000 tonnes of cargo per year.
Free Wi-Fi, Cash Withdrawal Services, Baby Day Care, First-Aid Facilities, Separate Smoking Lounges, Luggage Storage, Lost & Found Centre, Currency Exchange, Shops and Restaurants, Post Office, Spa Services, Luggage Wrapping, and much more.
- IATA code: PNQ
- Number of airlines visiting: 7
- Total destinations: 12
- Passenger traffic: 8 million
- Official site: Pune Airport
Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, Guwahati
Guwahati International Airport is named after Gopinath Bordoloi, a notable freedom fighter and the first chief minister of Assam. It is also one of the most important Indian Air Force bases in the country’s northeast.
It was founded in 1958 and has had numerous additions and restorations since then. In 2017, it served around 4 million passengers every year.
The airport boasts modern infrastructure and amenities, ensuring a comfortable and convenient travel experience for passengers. With a range of facilities such as shopping outlets, dining options, and lounges, travelers can enjoy a pleasant time during layovers.
Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport plays a crucial role in promoting tourism, trade, and connectivity in the Northeastern states.
It serves as a vital link for both leisure and business travelers, offering a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty of the region.
- IATA code: GAU
- Number of airlines visiting: 7
- Total destinations: 12
- Passenger traffic: 5 million
- Official site: NA
Srinagar International Airport
Srinagar International Airport, located in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, is a crucial gateway to the scenic and culturally rich region.
Nestled amidst the majestic Himalayas, it offers breathtaking views during takeoff and landing. The airport connects Srinagar to major cities in India, serving as a vital link for both domestic and international travelers.
Equipped with modern facilities, the airport provides a comfortable experience for passengers. From duty-free shops to restaurants offering local delicacies, Srinagar International Airport caters to the needs of visitors.
It also serves as a hub for tourists seeking to explore the stunning landscapes, pristine lakes, and historical landmarks of the Kashmir Valley.
- IATA code: SXR
- Number of airlines visiting: 5
- Total destinations: 9
- Passenger traffic: 4.4 million
- Official site: Srinagar Airport
Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport, Chandigarh
Chandigarh Airport is located in the Union Territory of Chandigarh, India. The airport, like the city, is beautifully constructed and maintained, and it has a world-class integrated terminal structure.
The airport’s inside structure has been attractively designed, with all modern conveniences to provide better service to passengers.
Regular flights are operated from here by airlines such as Air India, Jet Airways, GoAir, and Kingfisher Airlines. International flights will begin from the Chandigarh airport very soon, and it will become an international airport.
Chandigarh Airport provides modern facilities, complimentary baggage services, and special assistance for seniors and disabled passengers.
The airport features diverse shops with stationery, jewelry, magazines, and more. Travelers can relish tasty food and drinks at affordable prices in cafes and restaurants. Duty-free shopping offers a variety of products at reasonable rates.
- IATA code: IXC
- Number of airlines visiting: 6
- Total destinations: 3
- Passenger traffic: 3.6 million
- Official site: Chandigarh Airport
Trivandrum International Airport, Thiruvananthapuram
Trivandrum International Airport is one of the largest airports in the country and has proven to be a valuable asset to the country.
It first opened its doors in 1932 and was elevated to international status on January 1, 1991. The airport is well-connected to all major Indian cities as well as numerous international destinations.
The airport has grown not just in terms of aviation operations, but also in terms of infrastructure, passenger traffic, and other services.
Lost & Found, Passenger Guide, Smoking Lounges, ATMs, Baggage Wrap Service, Forex, Baby Care, VIP Lounges, Free – Wifi Service, Tourist Centre, Porter Service, and Passengers With Reduced Mobility are all available.
- IATA code: TRV
- Number of airlines visiting: 19
- Total destinations: 37
- Passenger traffic: 3.4 million
- Official site: Trivandrum Airport
Bagdogra International Airport
Bagdogra Airport, commonly known as Bagdogra Civil Aerodrome, serves both domestic and international passengers.
This airport was once exclusively utilized as an Indian Air Force base, but it is now a fully operational airport with domestic and international flights.
International flights began some time ago, making this airport popular as well. The airport connects the country’s largest cities. The airport’s aerodrome has frequent helicopter services to Gangtok.
The airport offers free baggage services with trolleys and wheelchairs for those in need. Food counters provide a range of quality options, and duty-free shopping is available for tax-free purchases.
- IATA code: IXB
- Number of airlines visiting: 7
- Total destinations: 5
- Passenger traffic: 2.5 million
- Official site: Bagdogra Airport
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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
The following are the biggest airports in India:
1. Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi
2. Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, Mumbai:
3. Chennai International Airport, Chennai
4. Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata
5. Kempegowda International Airport, Bangalore
6. Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, Guwahati
7. Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad
8. Cochin International Airport, Kochi
9. Trivandrum International Airport, Thiruvananthapuram
10. Sardar Vallabhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad
Indira Gandhi International Airport, commonly known as the major airport in India, is the country’s largest. The airport is in the Delhi neighborhood of Palam.
Trichy Airport is India’s smallest airport. At 3256 meters, Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Ladhak is the world’s 23rd-highest commercial airport.
King Fahd International Airport is located in Saudi Arabia. King Fahd International Airport, located in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, has an area of 776 square kilometers, making it the world’s largest airport by land area.
It was established in 1928 as India’s first civil aviation airfield. JRD Tata landed at the Juhu Aerodrome in 1932, launching India’s first scheduled commercial postal service. During and after World War II, Juhu functioned as the city’s major airport.
With a 102 percent increase in passenger traffic for 2022-23, Mumbai Airport emerges as the fastest-growing air hub.
Amsterdam, Boston, Denver, and Detroit are the other existing airports with six runways. Five runways are available at Atlanta, Houston-Intercontinental, Shanghai-Pudong, and Toronto-Pearson. Indira Gandhi International Airport has the most runways of any airport in India as of February 2023, with three.
Rajiv Gandhi International Airport is the largest international airport in India, located in New Delhi, the capital city of India. It is named after the first woman prime minister of India, Indira Gandhi.
