2024’s Five Busiest Airports in India

These insights provide a detailed overview of major Indian airports, including Indira Gandhi International (DEL), Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International (BOM), Kempegowda International (BLR), Rajiv Gandhi International (HYD), and Chennai International Airports (MAA). It highlights significant trends in passenger traffic, cargo handling, and aircraft movements from 2021 to 2024. The analysis reveals robust growth across all metrics, showcasing the airports’ resilience and capacity to accommodate increasing air travel demand post-pandemic, along with enhancements in terminal facilities and operational efficiency.

1. Indira Gandhi International Airport (IATA: DEL, ICAO: VIDP)

In 2024, Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) handled over 73.6 million passengers, reflecting a 21.39% increase compared to 2023. Of this total, 19 million were international passengers, marking a significant 24% growth from the previous year.

Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) features three main terminals catering to both domestic and international flights. Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 are dedicated to domestic operations, each equipped with multiple gates to accommodate domestic traffic. Terminal 3 serves both international and domestic flights, boasting 78 passenger boarding bridges, including three specifically designed to handle larger aircraft such as the A380.

The Airport handled over 1 million metric tonnes of cargo in 2024. This included 646.6 thousand metric tons of international freight, reflecting a recovery from the pandemic, and 356 thousand metric tons of domestic freight. DEL, recorded over 442 thousand aircraft movements in 2024, marking an increase from the previous year. With the addition of a fourth runway, the airport’s peak traffic handling capacity rose by 8-10%, reaching 86 aircraft movements per hour. The airport’s four runways contribute significantly to its enhanced capacity and efficiency, while Terminal 3 alone can accommodate 45 million passengers annually with state-of-the-art facilities.

Indira Gandhi International Airport is equipped with four runways, all with asphalt surfaces. Runway 09/27 spans 2,816 meters (9,239 feet), while Runway 10/28 is 3,813 meters (12,510 feet) long. Runway 11R/29L extends 4,430 meters (14,534 feet), making it the longest, closely followed by Runway 11L/29R, which measures 4,400 meters (14,436 feet).

2. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (IATA: BOM, ICAO: VABB)

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) in Mumbai has experienced significant positive trends in passenger traffic over the past few years. In 2024, the airport handled over 52.8 million passengers, a 16% increase from 2023. The previous year, 2023, saw 44 million passengers, marking a remarkable 105% year-on-year growth from 2022, when the airport recorded 21.5 million passengers, reflecting a strong post-pandemic recovery.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) in Mumbai operates two main terminals. Terminal 1 (Santacruz) is dedicated primarily to domestic flights, with multiple gates and facilities such as check-in counters, security checks, baggage claim, lounges, retail shops, and dining options. Terminal 2 (Sahar) handles both international and domestic flights, featuring multiple gates equipped for international operations with immigration and customs facilities, as well as domestic gates. Level 3 of Terminal 2 is dedicated to international departures, while Level 4 handles domestic departures, both offering check-in, security, and boarding facilities. Separate arrival areas and passenger services are available for international and domestic travelers, along with lounges, retail, and dining amenities across different levels.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) handled 823 thousand metric tons of cargo in 2024. This included 591 thousand metric tons of international freight, a 10% increase from 2023, and 231 thousand metric tons of domestic freight. In 2023, the airport processed 750 thousand metric tons of cargo, with a 15% rise in international freight. In 2022, it managed 556.9 thousand metric tons of cargo, marking a 30% increase from 2021.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) recorded close to 325 thousand aircraft movements in 2024, reflecting an 11.9% increase from 2023. In 2023, the airport noted 290 thousand movements, a 12% rise from 2022, when it registered 260 thousand aircraft movements, indicating a significant recovery from the pandemic.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai has two runways. Runway 09/27 is 3,445 meters (11,302 feet) long with an asphalt surface, while Runway 14/32 spans 2,925 meters (9,596 feet), also with an asphalt surface.

3. Kempegowda International Airport (IATA: BLR, ICAO: VOBL)

Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) in Bengaluru has shown significant positive trends in passenger traffic over the past few years. In 2024, the airport handled 37.53 million passengers, an 18% increase from 2023. This included 32.86 million domestic passengers, reflecting a 17% rise, and 4.67 million international passengers, which marked a notable 23% increase. In 2023, the airport managed 31.91 million passengers, achieving a remarkable 96% year-on-year growth from 2022, when it recorded 16.29 million passengers, indicating a strong post-pandemic recovery.

Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) features two main terminals. Terminal 1 (T1) initially catered to both domestic and international flights, equipped with 26 boarding gates, but now primarily handles domestic flights following the opening of Terminal 2. Terminal 2 (T2) is designed for both domestic and international operations, featuring 22 contact gates and 15 bus gates. As of September 2023, all international operations have been moved to Terminal 2.

Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) in Bengaluru handled 439.5 thousand metric tons of cargo in 2024. This included 266.2 thousand metric tons of international freight, reflecting a 4% increase from 2023, and 173.3 thousand metric tons of domestic freight, which marked a 13% rise. In 2023, the airport processed 410 thousand metric tons of cargo, achieving a 7% increase in total freight. In 2022, it managed 383 thousand metric tons of cargo, indicating a 15% rise from 2021.

Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) recorded 245.9 thousand aircraft movements in 2024, representing a 9.7% increase from 2023. In 2023, the airport noted 224 thousand movements, marking a 12% rise from 2022, when it registered 200 thousand aircraft movements, indicating a significant recovery from the pandemic.

Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) has two runways, both measuring 4,000 meters (13,123 feet) in length and featuring asphalt surfaces. Runway 09L/27R and Runway 09R/27L are oriented as indicated, and the airport is equipped with dual parallel taxiways, cross-field taxiways, and rapid exit taxiways to enhance operational efficiency.

4. Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (IATA: HYD, ICAO: VOHS)

Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYD) in Hyderabad has demonstrated strong growth in passenger traffic from 2021 to 2024. In 2024, the airport handled over 25 million passengers, reflecting a 19% increase from the previous year. This growth was driven by a domestic traffic increase of 18.5% and a significant 23.2% rise in international traffic. In 2023, the airport served 21 million passengers, comprising 17.6 million domestic and 3.4 million international travelers. The airport managed 12.4 million passengers in 2022, with 11 million domestic and 1.4 million international passengers, marking a recovery from a significant drop in 2021, when it handled the same number of passengers due to the pandemic’s impact.

Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYD) features a single integrated passenger terminal that accommodates both domestic and international flights. The western half of the terminal handles international flights, while the eastern half is dedicated to domestic operations. It includes 96 check-in counters, 19 self-service kiosks, and 46 immigration counters. The terminal has a total of 44 contact stands and 56 remote stands, including 2 Code-F stands, ensuring efficient boarding and disembarkation for passengers.

Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYD) has shown positive trends in cargo statistics from 2021 to 2024. In 2024, the airport handled 154 thousand metric tons of cargo, representing an 8% increase year-on-year. In 2023, it managed 149 thousand metric tons, while 2022 saw a total of 140 thousand metric tons handled. The airport managed 112.7 thousand metric tons of cargo in 2021, indicating a steady recovery and growth in cargo operations over the years.

Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYD) recorded 176 thousand aircraft movements in 2024, marking an 11% increase from the previous year. On March 30, 2024, the airport achieved its highest-ever single-day air traffic movements (ATMs) with 544. Additionally, it handled 77,000 passengers on December 23, 2023, which was the highest passenger traffic day for the year. Throughout FY 2024, the airport consistently served approximately 2 million passengers each month, reflecting strong operational performance.

Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYD) has two runways. The primary runway, 09R/27L, measures 4,260 meters (13,976 feet) and features an asphalt surface, categorized as ILS Cat II for 09R and Cat I for 27L. The secondary runway, 09L/27R, is 3,707 meters (12,162 feet) long, also with an asphalt surface, and is classified as ILS Cat I for both 09L and 27R.

5. Chennai International Airport (IATA: MAA, ICAO: VOMM)

Chennai International Airport (MAA) has shown notable growth in passenger traffic over the past few years. In 2024, the airport handled over 21.2 million passengers, reflecting a 14.2% increase from the previous year. In 2023, it managed 18.6 million passengers, marking a 3.3% rise from 2022, when the airport served 18 million passengers, demonstrating an impressive 89% increase from 2021. The year 2021 saw a significant impact from the pandemic, with only 9.53 million passengers handled.

Chennai International Airport (MAA) comprises several terminals with distinct functions. Terminal 1 (T1) is dedicated to domestic flights, featuring 9 boarding gates (6 on the ground floor and 3 on the first floor), and currently handles all domestic arrivals and departures. A new terminal is under construction next to Phase 1 of the integrated terminal (T2), which now manages international arrivals and departures on the site of the former international arrival facility. Terminal 3 (T3) is designated for international arrivals, equipped with 6 boarding gates on the first floor. Terminal 4 (T4) is dedicated to international departures and includes 10 boarding gates.

Chennai International Airport (MAA) has demonstrated steady growth in cargo statistics over the past few years. In 2024, the airport handled 340,544 metric tons of cargo, marking a 0.6% increase from 2023, when it managed 338,500 metric tons. In 2022, the airport handled 330,000 metric tons of cargo, and in 2021, it processed 300,000 metric tons, reflecting consistent growth in cargo operations.

Chennai International Airport (MAA) has experienced growth in aircraft movements over the past few years. In 2024, the airport recorded 145,790 aircraft movements, representing a 5.9% increase from 2023, which had 137,640 movements, a 2.5% rise from 2022. In 2022, the airport managed 134,000 aircraft movements, reflecting an 18.6% increase from 2021, when it recorded 113,000 movements, significantly impacted by the pandemic.

Chennai International Airport (MAA) has two runways. Runway 07/25 measures 3,661 meters (12,011 feet) in length and features an asphalt surface, oriented as 07/25. The second runway, 12/30, is 2,925 meters (9,482 feet) long, also with an asphalt surface, oriented as 12/30.

Chennai International Airport (MAA) has achieved significant milestones in passenger traffic in recent years. In 2024, the airport consistently served over 1.75 million passengers each month. In 2023, it recorded its highest single-day passenger traffic of 70,000 on December 25. Furthermore, in 2022, passenger traffic recovered by over 97% compared to pre-COVID levels, highlighting a strong return to normalcy.

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