International Flight Operations at India’s Busiest Airports

India’s major international airports—Indira Gandhi International (DEL), Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International (BOM), Kempegowda International (BLR), Rajiv Gandhi International (HYD), and Chennai International (MAA)—has as critical gateways for global connectivity and economic growth. These operational insights highlight their expanding role in accommodating international business aviation, with growing efficiency in flight handling, ground operations, and infrastructure support.

 

From 2021 to 2024, these hubs have demonstrated consistent growth in aircraft movements and operational capacity, reflecting their resilience and adaptability in meeting rising post-pandemic aviation demand. The airports continue to enhance airside services, slot coordination systems, and handling capabilities to support the evolving needs of non-scheduled and business flight operations.

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

Indira Gandhi International Airport (IATA: DEL, ICAO: VIDP) is the main international gateway to New Delhi, the capital of India, as well as to the National Capital Region (NCR). Located in Palam, Delhi, the airport is situated 15 km (9.3 mi) southwest of New Delhi Railway Station and approximately 16 km (9.9 mi) from the city center. The airport has seen notable growth in passenger traffic and cargo movement, reflecting its increasing importance as a global aviation hub in 2024:

Statistic	Value	Increase
Total Passengers	79,259,890	7.6%
International Passengers	21,561,977	10.7%
Aircraft Movements	468,822	6%
Cargo Tonnage	1,109,519	10.6%

.Terminals

• Terminal 1: Primarily serves low-cost domestic carriers.
• Terminal 2: Used for international flights until July 2010, when operations moved to Terminal 3.
• Terminal 3: The largest terminal, featuring 168 check-in counters, 78 aerobridges at 48 contact stands, 54 parking bays, 95 immigration counters, and 18 X-ray screening areas. The international flights depart from gates 1-26 (with gates 2, 4, and 6 designated as bus gates) and domestic flights from gates 27-62 (gates 42 and 44 are bus gates).

DEL is India’s busiest international hub and is fully slot-controlled. All foreign-registered business jets must obtain a DGCA landing permit in advance (generally 3 working days prior). 

Slot Management

• ATC slot coordination is mandatory, especially between 0700–1100 IST and 1700–2100 IST, which are high-density windows.
• Peak times can delay slot approvals by 1–2 hours. Best availability is between 0000–0500 IST.
• For international non-scheduled flights, slot requests must be submitted at least 72 hours prior to planned arrival/departure.

Ground Handling Services

The airport has the following ground services for business jets:

• Aircraft towing and pushback
• Lavatory servicing and potable water replenishment
• GPU (Ground Power Unit) availability
• Air start units (on request)
• Basic cabin cleaning (no deep cleaning has routinely)
• Limited availability of VIP ramp transport (prior coordination needed)
• Catering uplifts available but must be pre-arranged; no dedicated GA kitchen facility
• Fueling: Jet‑A1 available via hydrant and refuel trucks. Avgas 100LL is usually not stocked.

Note: Hangarage is very limited, and overnight remote stand parking often requires repositioning during peak hours.

Indira Gandhi International Airport features four runways, each designed to accommodate a wide range of aircraft types and ensure efficient operations:

• Runway 09/27: 2,816 meters (9,239 feet), asphalt. This runway is equipped with high-precision instrument landing systems (ILS) for improved approach and landing accuracy, particularly in adverse weather conditions. It supports a variety of aircraft, including narrow-body and regional aircraft.
• Runway 10/28: 3,813 meters (12,510 feet), asphalt. This is one of the longer runways, designed to handle larger aircraft, such as wide-body long-haul jets. It is also equipped with ILS and has a higher weight-bearing capacity to handle larger aircraft during takeoff and landing.
• Runway 11R/29L: 4,430 meters (14,534 feet), asphalt. The longest runway at the airport, this runway can accommodate the heaviest aircraft, including jumbo jets like the Airbus A380 and Boeing 747. It is equipped with advanced landing systems, including Category III ILS, which allows for landings in extremely low-visibility conditions (fog, heavy rain).
• Runway 11L/29R: 4,400 meters (14,436 feet), asphalt. Similar to Runway 11R/29L, this runway is also designed to support wide-body and heavy aircraft. It features a robust surface and advanced navigation aids to ensure smooth operations even during peak traffic times.

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

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (IATA: BOM, ICAO: VABB) serves Mumbai, the capital of the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is the second-busiest airport in India by both total and international passenger traffic, following Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi. In 2024, the airport ranked as the 14th-busiest airport in Asia and the 31st-busiest airport globally based on passenger traffic. The airport operates two terminals for scheduled commercial services:

 

• Terminal 1 (Santacruz): Primarily for domestic flights.
• Terminal 2 (Sahar): Handles both international and domestic flights. While the terminals share airside facilities, they are physically separated on the city side, necessitating a 15–20-minute drive between them.

 

Facility	Quantity
Aircraft Parking Stands	108
Boarding Bridges	60
Check-in Counters	192
Car Parking Spaces	5,000

 

Additionally, there is a dedicated General Aviation Terminal for business and non-scheduled flight operations.

 

The following are the key statistics for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport from April 2024 to March 2025:

 

Statistic	Value	Increase
Passengers	55,122,422	4.4%
Aircraft Movements	330,063	1.6%
Cargo Tonnage	889,900	8.1%

 

The airport set a new record of 1,007 aircraft movements on 9 December 2018, surpassing the previous record of 1,003 movements set in June 2018. Additionally, on 16 September 2014, it managed 51 movements in a single hour. In the 2020 financial year, it handled 45.87 million passengers, ranking second in India after IGI. In the 2024–25 financial year, the airport reached a historic high of over 55.1 million passengers, exceeding its maximum capacity of 50 million passengers per year and second only to IGI, which handled 79.2 million passengers in India.

 

The Kalina General Aviation Terminal (GAT) is approved for 24/7 domestic and international non-scheduled operations and includes exclusive passenger lounges and crew restrooms. Business jet operators clear customs/immigration at this GA terminal. Ground services (ground power, lavatory, catering, etc.) are provided by approved handlers. Standard Jet‑A1 fueling (hydrant/tanker) is available apron-side.

Slot Management

• One of the most slot-congested airports in India.
• Peak hours: 0630–1030 IST and 1800–2230 IST daily. Avoid arrivals/departures in these windows.
• Preferred operational slots are between 0000–0500 IST.
• Slot requests must be filed a minimum of 72 hours before arrival and are strictly enforced.
• Landing Permits: Mandatory DGCA landing permit (3 business-day lead)

Ground Handling Services

Available services include:

• Towing and basic aircraft positioning
• GPU and limited air start support
• Lavatory and water servicing (delays expected during peak hours)
• Ramp transport to terminal with prior notice
• Onboard catering possible, but external caterers may face access delays

Limitations: No wide-body GA hangars, limited parking flexibility, and turnaround support is slower during congested periods.

Runways

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport features two runways:

 

• Runway 14/32: 2,869 meters (9,413 feet), Asphalt. This runway accommodates a variety of aircraft, from smaller domestic flights to larger international aircraft. It is equipped with precision instrument landing systems (ILS) to ensure safe operations during adverse weather conditions.
• Runway 09/27: 3,445 meters (11,302 feet), Asphalt. This runway is designed to handle long-haul international flights and large aircraft. It is also equipped with modern navigation aids, including ILS, to facilitate smooth operations for both domestic and international flights.

 

Both runways are crucial in managing the heavy traffic at one of India’s busiest airports, providing the capacity needed to support high-frequency flights.

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

Kempegowda International Airport (IATA: BLR, ICAO: VOBL) serves Bengaluru, the capital of the Indian state of Karnataka. Situated approximately 35 km north of the city near the suburb of Devanahalli, it is the third-busiest airport in India, following Delhi and Mumbai. As of 2024, it ranks as the 27th busiest airport in Asia and the 54th busiest airport in the world. In the fiscal year 2024-2025, the airport handled over 41.87 million passengers and 502,509 tonnes (553,921 short tons) of cargo.

 

The following are the key statistics for Kempegowda International Airport from April 2024 to March 2025:

Statistic	Value	Increase
Passengers	41,875,620	11.6%
International Passengers	5,834,155	25%
Aircraft Movements	264,553	7.5%
Cargo Tonnage	502,509	14.3%

 

Active Runways at Kempegowda International Airport (BLR)

Kempegowda International Airport operates two runways designed to accommodate a wide range of aircraft:

 

• Runway 09L/27R & 09R/27L : 4,000 meters (13,000 feet) in length for each with 45 meters (148 feet) in width. Equipped with CAT III / CAT III approach lighting/ILS, it supports low-visibility operations.

 

Terminal Information

Kempegowda International Airport has two terminals:

 

• Terminal 1: Handles domestic flights and can accommodate up to 35 million passengers per annum. The check-in and baggage reclaim areas are located on the lower floor, with departure gates distributed across both the lower and upper floors. Boarding gates 1, 2, 12–18, and 28–43 on the upper floor are equipped with jet bridges, while gates 3–9 and 19–25 are located on the lower floor.
• Terminal 2: This terminal expands the airport’s capacity by an additional 25 million passengers per annum. It features 95 check-in counters, 17 security lanes, 9 baggage claim belts, 34 conventional immigration gates, and 6 electronic immigration gates to streamline passenger flow.

 

These facilities are designed to enhance the airport’s operational efficiency and cater to the growing passenger and cargo traffic.

 

Bengaluru’s VOBL is also fully slot-controlled for ad-hoc operations. All international business jets require a DGCA landing permit (3-day advance). Bangalore has no separate GA terminal – corporate jets use the main terminal complex with expedited handling. Passengers may be fast-tracked through immigration and security in the terminal. Customs/immigration are available since BLR is an airport of entry.

Slot Coordination

• Slot allocation required, especially during 0500–0900 IST and 1600–2100 IST.
• Best operational window: 2200–0400 IST.
• International business jets should file slot requests at least 3 days prior, with flexibility for last-minute changes limited.

Ground Handling Facilities

• GPU, lavatory, and potable water services available
• Towing services provided, but may not be prompt outside peak ops hours
• Basic cleaning only; cabin detailing not readily available
• No hangar parking for foreign aircraft
• Catering can be arranged with lead time; refrigeration options limited
• Jet‑A1 fuel is supplied to the apron (into-plane fueling service)

 

Note: Remote stand use is common; expect delays for crew/passenger transport if not pre-coordinated.

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

Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (IATA: HYD, ICAO: VOHS) is a major international airport serving Hyderabad, the capital of the Indian state of Telangana. Strategically located in Shamshabad, about 24 kilometers (15 miles) south of the city center, the airport acts as a vital gateway to South and Central India.  The airport is known for its modern infrastructure, efficiency, and award-winning passenger experience. It serves as a hub for both domestic and international air traffic, connecting Hyderabad to major cities across Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and North America. Designed to accommodate growing traffic demand, the airport integrates sustainable technologies, green building practices, and advanced baggage handling and security systems.

 

Between April 2024 and March 2025:

Statistic	Value	Increase
Passengers	29,165,232	16.5%
Aircraft Movements	202,395	14.8%
Cargo Tonnage	167,665	11.9%

 

Passenger Terminal

The expanded passenger terminal has a capacity of 40 million passengers annually. Key facilities include:

 

• 56 remote domestic bus departure gates
• 44 passenger boarding aero bridges
• Domestic-to-domestic (D-D) transfer area
• 3 Automated Tray Retrieval System (ATRS) machines
• 1 screening machine
• 12 departure gates
• 10 baggage claim belts (7 for domestic and 3 for international) with a combined length of 840 meters

 

Hyderabad’s VOHS is a slot-controlled airport and designated international port of entry. All foreign flights require a DGCA landing permit with a minimum of 3 days’ notice. In 2024, a 11,234 ft² General Aviation Terminal (GAT) opened—currently the largest GA facility in India. Located adjacent to the main terminal, the GAT has business access, passenger lounges, and crew rest areas, allowing for expedited customs and immigration clearance. Comprehensive ground services—including fueling, baggage handling, and hangar parking—are provided by local handlers.

Slot Allocation

• ATC slots are enforced; congestion peaks from 0700–1000 IST and 1800–2100 IST.
• Easier slot availability between 2200–0500 IST.
• 72-hour advance slot requests are advised; shorter notice may result in off-peak slot assignment.

Ground Handling Opportunities

• GPU, lavatory service, potable water, and towing available on request
• Apron buses and VIP transport services available via prior request
• No high-capacity cabin cleaning services; basic turnaround only
• Catering support is available but relies on external coordination
• Jet A-1 fuel is supplied either via hydrant or bowser.

 

Caution: Ground handling efficiency may vary by time of day; expect slower response in off-hours.

Runway Sizes & Operations

Rajiv Gandhi International Airport operates with two parallel runways, both designed to handle large aircraft operations efficiently. The primary runway, designated 09R/27L, measures 4,260 meters in length and 60 meters in width (13,980 × 200 feet). It is equipped with an Instrument Landing System (ILS) and is capable of accommodating the Airbus A380, the world’s largest passenger aircraft. This runway supports high-capacity international and domestic flight operations and ensures precision landings under various weather conditions.

 

The secondary runway, designated 09L/27R, is 3,707 meters long and 45 meters wide (12,162 × 148 feet). While it lacks ILS, it serves as a vital support to the primary runway, enabling increased aircraft movements and operational flexibility, especially during maintenance or peak traffic hours. Together, these two runways enhance the airport’s capacity and efficiency, ensuring smooth traffic management for both passenger and cargo aircraft.

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

Chennai International Airport (IATA: MAA, ICAO: VOMM) serves the city of Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu, and is located in Tirusulam, within the Greater Chennai Metropolitan Area, approximately 21 kilometers (13 miles) southwest of the city center. As one of the busiest airports in South India.

 

The airport comprises three operational passenger terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 4 for domestic flights, and Terminal 2 for international services. Terminal 1 has a capacity of 16 million passengers annually, with seven boarding gates, 52 check-in counters, and eight e-ticketing counters. Terminal 4 supports 7 million passengers per year and, like Terminal 1, is equipped with in-line baggage handling and advanced security screening systems. Terminal 2, an integrated terminal opened in 2023, is under continued expansion following the demolition of the older Terminal 3 to support increasing international traffic.

 

In the financial year 2024–2025, Chennai International Airport handled:

Metric	Value	Year-on-Year Change
Passengers	22,411,290	Increase of 5.7%
Aircraft Movements	156,126	Increase of 7.1%
Cargo Tonnage	379,154 tonnes	Increase of 11.3%

 

Chennai does not have a standalone GA terminal; business flights are processed through the main terminal or VIP areas. Standard ground handling services (fuel, lavatory, GPU, etc.) are provided by local vendors.

Slot Management

• Slot requests must be filed in advance for all international business ops.
• Congestion peaks: 0600–0900 IST, 1200–1500 IST, and 1900–2300 IST.
• Best operational window: 0000–0400 IST, though limited ramp support at night.

Ground Handling Services

• Basic support includes GPU, lavatory servicing, towing, potable water
• No air start support available for smaller aircraft
• No hangar space for GA; only remote parking
• Catering support is very limited; may require coordination with passenger terminal kitchens
• No on-ramp crew rest areas; facilities inside terminal may be used with escort
• Jet‑A1 fuel is available via hydrants and bowser service.

 

Runways at Chennai International Airport (MAA)

Chennai International Airport operates two main runways that support both domestic and international air traffic. These runways are equipped with advanced instrumentation and meet international aviation standards to accommodate a range of aircraft, including wide-body jets.

 

• Runway 07/25: This is the primary runway at the airport, measuring 3,662 meters (12,014 feet) in length and 45 meters in width. It has an asphalt surface, ensuring durability and efficient handling of high-traffic operations. The runway is equipped with an Instrument Landing System (ILS) for precise landing in low-visibility conditions, enhancing safety. It serves as the main operational runway for most flights and can handle large aircraft, including wide-body jets such as the Boeing 777 and Airbus A330. The runway also features high-speed exit taxiways for efficient aircraft movement.

 

• Runway 12/30: The secondary runway is 2,925 meters (9,596 feet) long, with a width of 45 meters, also surfaced with asphalt. This runway does not have an ILS and is typically used for crosswind operations, lighter aircraft, and as a backup when the primary runway is under maintenance. While not as frequently used for international long-haul flights, it is a critical asset for maintaining operational efficiency. The runway is also equipped with Runway End Safety Areas (RESA) to enhance safety during landing and takeoff.

 

Both runways are equipped with PAPI (Precision Approach Path Indicators), which assist pilots in maintaining the correct glide path during approach. In addition, they feature Runway Visual Range (RVR) systems that provide real-time visibility information, especially during adverse weather conditions.

✅ GENERAL DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED (ALL AIRPORTS)

These are mandatory for all international business jet flights entering India:

1. Landing Permit (DGCA)
   • Required for all non-scheduled foreign business jet flights.
   • Apply at least 3 working days in advance.
   • Submit through an authorized local agent or handling service.
   • Documents required for permit:
     • Air Operator Certificate (AOC) or Private Operator Certificate
     • Certificate of Airworthiness
     • Certificate of Registration
     • Noise Certificate (ICAO Annex 16 compliance)
     • Crew licenses and medicals
     • Insurance certificate (must show third-party liability valid in India)
     • Purpose of flight & full itinerary (with airport names and dates)
     • Details of passengers and crew
     • Handling agent’s local contact details

2. Crew and Passenger Information
   • Advance Passenger Information (API) submission is mandatory before arrival.
   • Crew and passenger passports/visas must be valid for India.

3. Security Program Approval
   • Business aircraft operators must comply with BCAS security guidelines.
   • A standard security clearance may be required in specific cases.

4. Customs Documents
   • General Declaration (GENDEC)
   • Crew and passenger manifests
   • Baggage declarations

🛬 AIRPORT-SPECIFIC DOCUMENTATION & NOTES

1. Indira Gandhi International Airport  (VIDP – Delhi)

• Slot Approval Required – Submit through the airport slot coordination system.
• General Aviation Terminal (GAT) – Operators must coordinate CIQ documents separately via a handler assigned to the GAT.
• Night parking may require additional clearance due to congestion.

2. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport  (VABB – Mumbai)

• Mandatory Slot/PPR – Request through centralized slot system; no ops without slot.
• GA Terminal Kalina – Requires pre-notification of manifest for customs processing.
• Apron Access Card – Sometimes required for crew; arranged by handler.

3. Kempegowda International Airport  (VOBL – Bengaluru)

• Use of Main Terminal – GA crews must carry additional documentation to expedite immigration, since no dedicated GAT.
• Security Escort Forms – Crew and support staff may need escort permits during airport movements.

4. Rajiv Gandhi International Airport  (VOHS – Hyderabad)

• GAT Access Documents – Must submit crew/passenger manifest in advance to GAT operator for terminal access approval.
• Night Parking Request – VOHS requires prior coordination for hangar or apron parking for foreign-registered aircraft.

5. Chennai International Airport (VOMM – Chennai)

• VIP Lounge Access – Requires pre-submitted passenger list for fast-track customs/immigration.
• Main Terminal Use – Additional coordination required for positioning vehicles to pick up crew/passengers airside.

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