10 Most Busiest Airports In India

Out of its original context, February 18th, 1911 might seem like an ordinary day. However, unbeknownst to many, it marked a pivotal moment in history as the first commercial flight in India took off from Allahabad, carrying a load of air mail. Since that significant day, India's civil aviation sector has undergone remarkable growth, now standing as the world's third-largest aviation market. In 2018, approximately 139 million passengers traversed the skies of India. Currently, the country boasts 22 national airlines and 132 airports. The major airports, functioning as integrated transit hubs, feature extensive multi-modal connectivity to their respective city centers, along with numerous runways and terminals. Delve deeper into the details of the 10 busiest airports in India below.

# Indira Gandhi International Airport

Situated in the national capital, Indira Gandhi International Airport stands out not only as the busiest in India but also ranks as the 12th busiest globally. Managing a staggering 65.7 million passengers in the 2017-18 period, its passenger traffic is anticipated to surpass 80 million by the close of 2020. The airport currently operates with three runways, one of which is among the longest in India, and three terminals (T1C-D, T2, and T3). Expansion plans are underway, encompassing the construction of a new terminal and runway, along with an augmentation of T1C-D's capacity. The airport is seamlessly connected to Central Delhi through the Airport Express (Orange) Line of the Delhi Metro and National Highway 48.

# Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport

Encompassing sections of Andheri, Vile Parle, and Santacruz, the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport in Mumbai holds the position of the second most significant air transit hub in India. It served over 48 million travelers in the fiscal year 2018-19. The airport's commitment to delivering world-class service is underscored by its recognition as the World's Best Airport in the 40 mppa (Million Passengers per Annum) category, alongside the Delhi Airport, at the 2017 Airport Service Quality Awards. With two terminals (T1 for low-cost domestic flights and T2 for international and domestic operations) and two intersecting runways, it remains a vital aviation hub. A notable addition is the Jaya He GVK New Museum (T2), featuring over 5000 exhibits that showcase India's rich culture and history.

# Kempegowda International Airport

Inaugurated in 2008 as a replacement for the overloaded HAL Airport, the Kempegowda International Airport in Bangalore has swiftly risen to become the third-busiest air transit hub in the country. Despite having just one runway and terminal, it managed a remarkable volume, overseeing over 195,000 flights and serving 25 million passengers in 2017 alone. Notably, at the international section of the terminal, Gate 25-26 is specially designed to accommodate the colossal Airbus A380, the world's largest airliner. Currently undergoing expansion initiatives, the airport is in the process of constructing a new terminal and runway to further amplify its capacity for handling both aircraft and passengers. The airport is seamlessly linked to Bengaluru through direct connectivity via National Highway 44.

# Chennai International Airport

As one of the earliest civilian airfields in India, Chennai International Airport holds significant importance as a key entry point for individuals traveling from South and Southeast Asia into the country. Featuring two terminals and an equal number of runways, the airport successfully accommodated over 20 million passengers in the fiscal year 2017. In a departure from the typical layout of multiple terminals scattered across airports in India, Chennai International Airport has both terminals situated side by side, connected by a building housing restaurants and administrative offices. The airport is conveniently linked to the city center through its own station on the Chennai Metro network. Passengers at the airport can indulge in a diverse range of culinary offerings and engage in shopping activities.

# Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport

The historical significance of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata is deeply rooted, as it played a role in the ill-fated flight of Amelia Earhart in 1937. Witnessing a growth in both passenger numbers and aircraft movements, the airport underwent expansion initiatives starting in 2005. As part of this plan, the runways were extended, and a CAT III instrument landing system was implemented. Handling just under 20 million passengers in the Fiscal Year 2017, the airport is on the verge of surpassing its maximum passenger handling capacity of 26 million. Among the international airlines currently serving the airport are Air India, Biman Bangladesh, Bhutan Airlines, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Myanmar Airways International, China Eastern Airlines, Cathay Dragon, Silk Air, Singapore Airlines, Sri Lankan Airlines, and Thai Airways.

# Rajiv Gandhi International Airport

The concept of the airport was conceived when Begumpet Airport found itself unable to accommodate the growing number of passengers. Since its inauguration in 2008, the airport has surpassed its designated maximum passenger handling capacity of 12 million in just nine years, hosting over 18 million flyers in the fiscal year 2017. Notably, the airport boasts a distinctive feature known as the airport village, serving as a valuable amenity for transit travelers. Positioned just outside the arrivals area, the village allows transit passengers to connect with friends or family during layovers. Like other major airports in the country, it is slated for expansion in three phases: Phase I aims to increase capacity to 18 million, Phase II to 20 million, and ultimately, Phase III to an impressive 40 million.

# Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport

Although operational since 1937, international flights from this air transit hub commenced in 1991. Despite having a current maximum capacity of approximately 8.5 million people, it had already managed to handle over 9 million passengers in Fiscal Year 2017. The airport features two terminals: T1 for domestic flights and T2 for international and domestic traffic, interconnected by an approximately 500-meter long travellator or moving walkway. Transit travelers can unwind at the luxurious BICA Lounge within Terminal 1 and the Port Lounge within Terminal 2. In addition to these lounges, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad also hosts numerous duty-free shops, restaurants, and a cafeteria.

# Cochin International Airport

Established in 1999, Cochin International Airport showcases traditional Kerala architecture. Currently, it operates with two domestic terminals and one international terminal, distinguishing it as the only airport in India, aside from Delhi, to boast three terminals. This configuration allows for a maximum capacity of 21 million, a capacity significantly beyond its current handling rate of less than 10.5 million travelers in Fiscal Year 2017. Notably, the airport has achieved a groundbreaking milestone by being the first in India to be entirely powered by solar energy. Overseas destinations with direct connectivity to Kochi include Sharjah, Kuala Lumpur, Dubai, Jeddah, Dammam, Bahrain, Muscat, Doha, Kuwait, Singapore, Riyadh, Bangkok, and Colombo.

# Pune Airport

Serving just over 8 million passengers in the Financial Year 2017, Pune Airport currently holds the position as the ninth-busiest in India. Originally established as an air base by the Royal Air Force, a portion of it remains in operation under the Indian Air Force. While equipped with two runways, only one is allocated for regular flights; the other serves as a taxiway for military aircraft movements. As part of a renovation initiative, the length of the runway is being extended to accommodate larger aircraft. Simultaneously, the plan includes the development of a VIP lounge and various modern amenities within the terminal, achieved by relocating administrative offices to a separate building.

# Dabolim Airport

Situated adjacent to the beach, Dabolim Airport in Goa stands out as arguably the most picturesque in the country. Originally constructed by the Portuguese in 1955, the airport serves dual purposes, operating both as a civilian airport and an airbase for the Indian Navy. Its new terminal, unveiled in 2013, is currently operating close to its maximum capacity of 7.6 million passengers annually. In the Fiscal Year 2017, the airport managed to handle over 50,000 flights, encompassing scheduled, chartered, and seasonal services. International destinations with direct scheduled or seasonal flights to Goa Airport include Moscow, St Petersburg, Manchester, Kiev, Birmingham, and Helsinki.