Top 10 Airports In India In 2023

"Taking Flight: India's Best Airports of 2023"

By Janvi Das Sep 13, 2023, 15:46 IST

"Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world." - Gustave Flaubert

India, a land of diverse landscapes and cultures, boasts an extensive network of airports that connect its vast expanse. These gateways to the world serve as vital hubs of travel, commerce, and culture. In this compilation, we take you on a journey through the top 10 airports in India, each a testament to modern aviation, convenience, and hospitality.

From the bustling Indira Gandhi International Airport in the capital city of Delhi to the coastal charm of Goa International Airport, these airports cater to millions of passengers every year. With state-of-the-art facilities, efficient services, and a touch of Indian hospitality, these airports create a lasting impression on travelers from around the globe.Join us as we explore India's finest airports, where the journey begins long before you board your flight, and where the stories of travelers, dreams, and destinations intertwine against the backdrop of aviation excellence.

Here's the list-

1.Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi

Delhi airport

Indira Gandhi International Airport (DELHI), situated in the vibrant capital city of Delhi, stands tall as one of India's premier airports. Often simply referred to as Delhi Airport, it holds a special place as not only one of India's busiest but also as a global aviation hub.

In the fiscal year 2020, this airport warmly welcomed a staggering 67.3 million passengers. In fact, it's worth noting that it's poised to become the seventh busiest airport in the world by 2023, as per insights from a reputable UK-based air consultancy.Delhi Airport doesn't just excel in passenger traffic; it also boasts the world's second-largest seating capacity, offering over 3.6 million seats for travelers. Moreover, it proudly claims the title of the largest airport in Asia by the number of passengers served, with an impressive 37 million passengers in 2021.

Consistently showcasing excellence, Delhi Airport has been awarded the prestigious "Best Airport in India and South Asia" by Skytrax World Airport Awards for four consecutive years, a testament to its commitment to delivering top-notch services and memorable travel experiences.

2.Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport - Mumbai

Mumbai airport

Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport in Mumbai, India's second busiest aviation hub, welcomes a bustling crowd of travelers each day, serving as a crucial transit point for journeys both near and far. Spanning a vast land area of 750 hectares (1,850 acres), this airport is a hive of activity with two terminals and a staggering 950 aircraft movements daily.

In the fiscal year 2020, Mumbai Airport efficiently managed the travel needs of 45.87 million passengers. In terms of regional and global rankings, it held the 14th spot among Asia's busiest airports in 2019 and was the 41st busiest worldwide, underlining its significance in the world of aviation.

3 . Kempegowda International Airport- Bangalore

Airport

Kempegowda International Airport, serving the vibrant city of Bangalore in Karnataka, India, is strategically located approximately 30 kilometers (19 miles) north of the city, nestled in the Devanahalli neighborhood, encompassing an expansive 4,000 acres (1,600 hectares).

This impressive airport is owned and operated by Bangalore International Airport Ltd (BIAL), a collaboration between the public and private sectors.In terms of passenger service, this airport is no stranger to large numbers. In the months of April 2019 and March 2020 alone, it efficiently facilitated the travel of 32,361,666 passengers, a testament to its vital role in regional transportation. Furthermore, in the fiscal year 2021-22, it managed an impressive 16.2 million passengers and handled 411,550 tonnes (453,660 short tonnes) of cargo, showcasing its commitment to meeting both passenger and logistical demands.

4.Rajiv Gandhi International Airport- Hyderabad

Airport

Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYD) stands as India's fourth busiest aviation hub, boasting both passenger and freight terminals. Nestled approximately 24 kilometers (15 miles) south of Hyderabad near Shamshabad, this airport commenced operations on March 23, 2008. It took over from Begumpet Airport, which had been the city's sole civilian airport. The airport's ownership and operation are managed by GMR Hyderabad International Airport Ltd (GHIAL), exemplifying a public-private partnership. Impressively, in the period spanning April 2021 to March 2022, it efficiently facilitated the travel of over 12 million passengers and handled more than 140,000 tonnes (150,000 short tonnes) of freight.

5.Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport

Netaji Subhas Chandra airport

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport bears the name of India's freedom movement leader and is situated approximately 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) from the heart of the city of Kolkata. Spanning an expansive area of 1,641 acres (664 hectares), Kolkata Airport serves as a vital air traffic hub in the eastern part of the country and represents one of West Bengal's two international airports. In the fiscal year 2021-22, this airport successfully managed the travel needs of around 11 million passengers, securing its place as the fifth busiest airport in India, following those in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad. During the period from April 2021 to March 2022, Kolkata Airport welcomed a total of 11,036,108 passengers.

6.Chennai International Airport

Chennai International Airport

Chennai International Airport plays a pivotal role as a primary gateway for visitors from South and Southeast Asia entering India. This airport holds the distinction of being the country's sixth busiest, with a notable presence on the Asian aviation map, ranking 49th in 2018. It proudly stands as one of the four major airports in India to secure a spot in the prestigious top 50 list of Asian airports. Travelers arriving here benefit from the convenience of the Chennai Metro network, connecting them seamlessly to the city center. Dining options abound, offering a diverse range of culinary delights, and travelers have the opportunity to shop at various retail outlets. In the fiscal year 2021, Chennai International Airport efficiently served around 9.5 million passengers.

7.Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International – Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport has been in operation since 1937 but began its journey as an air transit hub in 1991. This airport offers a comfortable respite for transit passengers, featuring the spacious Lounge in Terminal 1 and the inviting Port Lounge in Terminal 2. Beyond its lounges, the airport boasts duty-free stores, dining establishments, and a café, enhancing the overall travel experience. In the fiscal year 2021-22, it adeptly managed the travel needs of approximately 5.67 million passengers, securing the eighth spot in India's passenger volume rankings.

8.Cochin International Airport – Cochin

Cochin International Airport, as of 2022, commands a substantial share, accounting for a remarkable 61.8% of all air passenger traffic in Kerala. This airport's infrastructure includes three distinct passenger terminals, notably featuring India's pioneering Business Jet Terminal, a gateway to charter flights. What sets Cochin International Airport apart is its pioneering spirit as India's first airport developed through a groundbreaking public-private partnership (PPP). In the fiscal year 2018-19, it adeptly managed the travel needs of over 10.2 million passengers and facilitated 71,871 aircraft movements. The sprawling airport complex encompasses three passenger terminals and an additional freight terminal, collectively spanning approximately 225,000 square meters (2,421,880 sq ft).

9.Pune Airport – Pune

Pune airport

Pune Airport, currently ranked as the ninth busiest in India, has a fascinating history, originally serving as an aviation base for the Royal Air Force. Part of this historic base remains under the Indian Air Force's operation, while the civil enclave, managed by the Airports Authority of India, occupies the western side of the Lohegaon Air Force Station. In the fiscal year 2020, the airport capably catered to the travel needs of approximately 8 million passengers. To alleviate aviation congestion, the Airports Authority of India embarked on a significant investment of 40 crores in 2018, resulting in the construction of a brand-new second terminal, seamlessly connected to the existing one. This ambitious project, initiated in late 2018, is anticipated to conclude in July 2023.

10.Dabolim Airport – Goa

Goa International Airport finds its home in the heart of India's most sought-after tourist destination. Operated by the Airports Authority of India (AAI), this airport serves as a civil enclave nestled within the premises of the Indian Navy's INS Hansa naval airfield. It is strategically located in Dabolim, within South Goa district, just 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) from Vasco da Gama, 23 kilometers (14 miles) from Margao, and approximately 30 kilometers (19 miles) from Panaji, the state capital. Over the years, this airport has been a gateway for millions, handling around 7.6 million passengers in the fiscal year 2017-2018 and an impressive 8.36 million in the fiscal year 2019-2020.

Top 10 Airports In India In 2023

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