India’s aviation sector experienced rapid growth in 2024, with the country’s six key airports witnessing a surge in passenger traffic. The rising demand for both domestic and international travel is driving this expansion, with major airports like Delhi, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad showing significant growth. This boom reflects India’s strengthening economy, increased air connectivity, and enhanced airport infrastructure.
Top Airports in India in 2024
India’s top six airports—Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Chennai—have shown exceptional growth, according to the latest report from the Airports Authority of India (AAI). Most airports saw a substantial year-on-year rise in passengers, highlighting the robust recovery and increasing demand in air travel.
While Delhi Airport maintained its position as India’s busiest airport, Bengaluru and Hyderabad stood out with double-digit growth. Here’s a closer look at their performance:
Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) – Leading the Way
Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) remains the busiest and most important airport in India. It handled 77.8 million passengers in 2024, compared to 72.2 million in 2023, showing a 7.8% year-on-year growth. With this performance, it remains one of the busiest airports in the world.
Key Developments at Delhi Airport:
- Expansion of Terminal 1: Enhancements to accommodate rising passenger demand.
- Terminal 3 Improvements: Increased efficiency for international and domestic flights.
- Renovation of Terminal 2: Work in progress to further expand capacity.
- Fourth Runway Addition: This will reduce delays and improve takeoff and landing efficiency.
- Additional Taxiways: Faster aircraft movement and reduced congestion.
The airport connects passengers to 150 destinations across 53 countries, with 77 domestic and 73 international routes. Additionally, 70 airlines operate at Delhi Airport, making it the country’s top hub for air connectivity.
Bengaluru’s Impressive Growth
Bengaluru Kempegowda International Airport recorded remarkable growth in 2024, thanks to its increasing status as an IT and tech hub. The airport witnessed double-digit growth driven by strong domestic and international traffic.
Hyderabad Airport – A Rapid Riser
Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport also saw significant growth in 2024. Its infrastructure upgrades and focus on expanding international connectivity contributed to its strong performance.
Mumbai Airport – Minor Decline but Still Vital
Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport faced a slight dip in passenger numbers compared to 2023. Despite this, it remains a crucial gateway for business and international travel. Infrastructure developments underway aim to boost future growth.
India’s aviation boom is a clear indicator of the country’s rising middle class, increased business travel, and growing global presence. As airports undergo expansion and technological upgrades, they will continue to accommodate the increasing number of travelers. This growth highlights India’s transformation into a key global aviation player. With airports like Delhi adding runways and improving infrastructure, the future looks promising for both passengers and the nation’s economy. The development of secondary airports in smaller cities could further accelerate this trend, enhancing connectivity nationwide.
