Busiest airports in India by annual passenger traffic: Airports in India have emerged as significant centres for domestic and international travel, accommodating a total passenger traffic of 340.77 million from April 2024 to January 2025. It marked a 9.2% increase in overall traffic, as reported by the Airport Authority of India in their Air Traffic Report for January 2026.
Looking ahead, the passenger traffic is anticipated to grow at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8-9% from FY25 to FY27, according to data from the India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF).
In a notable mention, Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) in Delhi, known as Delhi Airport (DEL), has consistently been the busiest airport in India for both passenger and cargo traffic since 2009.
Remarkably, it has also gained recognition as one of the world’s eight busiest airports by seating capacity as of February 2025, according to OAG. Boasting about 3,613,762 available seats, it has achieved the highest capacity growth, reflecting a 3.4% increase to 3.6 million seats, which has led it to move up by one rank from January 2025 and two from February 2024.
Furthermore, it has also ranked as the tenth-busiest airport globally in terms of passenger traffic, based on the Airports Council International World rankings for 2023-2034. Following IGI is Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, which offers flights to the world’s six inhabited continents and Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport.
Early this year, Bengaluru’s Kempegowda notably recorded a total of 40.73 million passengers, elevating it to the category of a ‘large airport’ globally, as per the Airport Council International (ACI) classification, connecting the passengers to 75 domestic and 30 international destinations, and adding 11 domestic and four international routes during the year.
Table of Contents
Top 10 busiest airports in India ranked by annual passenger traffic in FY 2024
| Rank | Airport Name | Location | Annual Passenger Traffic (2023-24) | Change (%) |
| 1 | Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) | New Delhi | 73,673,708 | 0.128 |
| 2 | Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) | Mumbai, Maharashtra | 52,820,754 | 0.202 |
| 3 | Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) | Bengaluru, Karnataka | 37,528,533 | 0.176 |
| 4 | Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYD) | Hyderabad, Telangana | 25,042,282 | 0.193 |
| 5 | Chennai International Airport (MAA) | Chennai, Tamil Nadu | 21,207,262 | 0.142 |
| 6 | Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU) | Kolkata, West Bengal | 19,784,417 | 0.113 |
| 7 | Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (AMD) | Ahmedabad, Gujarat | 11,696,227 | 0.154 |
| 8 | Cochin International Airport (COK) | Kochi, Kerala | 10,365,655 | 0.176 |
| 9 | Pune Airport (PNQ) | Pune, Maharashtra | 9,525,484 | 0.19 |
| 10 | Dabolim Airport (GOI) | Dabolim, Goa | 6,872,411 | -17.80% |
Top 10 busiest airports in India
1. Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) – New Delhi
Handling over 73.6 million passengers, Indira Gandhi International Airport retains its position as India’s busiest airport. With state-of-the-art infrastructure and extensive global connectivity, it remains a pivotal hub for international and domestic travelers.
Also Read: List of Top 10 Oldest Railway Station in India
2. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) – Mumbai, Maharashtra
Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport served approximately 52.8 million passengers. Marking a 20.2% growth, the airport’s strategic location and connectivity make it a key gateway for both business and leisure travelers.
3. Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) – Bengaluru, Karnataka
Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport welcomed 37.5 million passengers, reflecting a robust 17.6% growth. As the tech capital’s primary aviation hub, it continues to expand its facilities to meet increasing demand.
Also Read: Top 10 Busiest Railway Stations in India in 2026
4. Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYD) – Hyderabad, Telangana
With a 19.3% rise in traffic, Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport handled 25 million passengers. The airport’s emphasis on modern amenities and operational efficiency contributes to its consistent growth.
5. Chennai International Airport (MAA) – Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Chennai International Airport served 21.2 million passengers in 2023-24, with a growth rate of 14.2%. Its expanding international routes and infrastructure developments enhance its role as a major aviation hub in South India.
Also Read: Top 10 Biggest Railway Stations in India (2026 Update)
6. Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU) – Kolkata, West Bengal
Kolkata’s airport saw 19.7 million passengers, growing by 11.3%. Its strong regional connectivity and continuous modernization efforts have solidified its importance in eastern India’s aviation landscape.
7. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (AMD) – Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport handled 11.7 million passengers, witnessing a 15.4% rise. As Gujarat’s premier airport, it supports the region’s industrial and business growth.
8. Cochin International Airport (COK) – Kochi, Kerala
Cochin International Airport, India’s first solar-powered airport, welcomed 10.3 million passengers, with a 17.6% increase. Its significance as a gateway for international travelers, especially from the Middle East, remains unmatched
Also Read: List of Top 10 Biggest Airport in India By Area as of 2026
9. Pune Airport (PNQ) – Pune, Maharashtra
Pune Airport recorded 9.5 million passengers, experiencing a significant 19% growth. As a fast-developing metropolitan city, Pune relies on its airport to support business travel and growing tourism needs
10. Dabolim Airport (GOI) – Dabolim, Goa
Dabolim Airport in Goa saw 6.8 million passengers, although it faced a 17.8% decline. With increased competition from the newly opened Mopa Airport, efforts to enhance passenger experiences and maintain its connectivity remain ongoing. Source: Forbes
Published by: Murali Malalur
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