India has gained the highest interest in travelling to visit exquisite attractions in recent years. With brewing business opportunities, the nation has successfully developed potential air connectivity. Currently, there are 34 international airports in India operating to link various destinations in the world. Interestingly, this land of diversified cultural and historical has engaged in political affairs also, with regular airlines flying to and fro to leading nations for alliance betterment.
But it is safe to say it’s the best speed of growth with a total of international airports in India.
Well, It was in 1994 when the International Airports Authority of India established the first project with a public-private model in Cochin, Kerala. Later the launch of the first international airport in India, there have been several development programs likewise to improve the strength of the tourism and commercial industry with easy connectivity. Therefore, it won’t be wrong to say that India managed to have steady and decent growth with an international airport.
Let us check out some of the lists of international airports in India with the highest engagement and operating destinations.
Table of contents
- List of International Airports in India to Know
- Indira Gandhi International Airport
- Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport
- Kempegowda International Airport
- Chennai International Airport
- Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport
- Rajiv Gandhi International Airport
- Sardar Vallabhai Patel International Airport
- Cochin International Airport
- Pune International Airport
- Dabolim International Airport
- End Thoughts
- FAQs
List of International Airports in India to Know
International airports in India map shows the improved travel system from India to other edges of the globe that have become more affordable and contemporary with the passing days. Among 34 total international airports in India, we have considered major airports that have made life and connectivity easy for our residents and travellers worldwide who wish to visit India for their concerned cause.
Indira Gandhi International Airport
Bagging the first position in India and 12th in the whole world, this international airport in India is the busiest. It is nestled in the capital of the nation- Delhi, with almost 65.7 million travellers’ accessibility recorded in 2017-18. By 2020, it was estimated to have over 80 million passengers with three runways- T1, T2 & T3. Interestingly, one of the three runways is even on the list of longest runways in the country.
Meanwhile, the developers plan to expand the operation by constructing one more runway yet in the pipeline. As per the sources, the plan exists to increase the capability of T1C-D. Besides this, this airport is well-connected with the metro line and National Highway 48 for easy commutation.
Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport
Another among all international airports in India, this Mumbai-based airport is the second busiest air transit place. Precisely, this is located in Andheri, Vile Parle and Santacruz area, with 48 million passengers engaged in 2018-19 records. In fact, the ambience was chosen to be the best airport among the 40 million passengers per annum in the world Quality Awards.
This airline hub has two terminals in which T1 is for domestic operations, and T2 is dedicated to all international flights along with domestic ones. In addition to this, the architecture of this sot has two criss-cross runways as well. Inside this, passengers may have some entertainment options, such as the newly commenced Jaya He GVK Newe Museum at T2 which offers 500+ exhibitions of Indian history and culture.
Kempegowda International Airport
Located in Bangalore, this overburdened airport managed almost 25 million travellers in 2017. It was established in 2008 and currently operates tons of flights to different parts of the world. Though it does not have multiple terminals, this single-runway airline hub has gates 25-26 as built to offer the largest airliner- the mammoth Airbus A380 in the globe.
This is highly impressive with connectivity, considering the long routes in Bangalore with National Highway 44. It is under-construction with more runways and terminal development.
Chennai International Airport
Among the list of international airports in India, this is the earliest civilian air transit hub that opens the doors for connecting South and South-eastern Asia. It handled 20 million travellers in 2017. With two terminals and its sole runways, it has the uniqueness of adjacent terminals. The point to be noted is that this adjacency has been created by constructing office hubs and restaurants close by.
While talking about roadways connectivity, the airport wins with a metro line in its own name. It has an exclusive interior that makes it appealing, and it does not bother to wait for a delayed flight. Moreover, the passengers have many eatery and shopping options inside the same shelter.
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport
This busiest of all international airports in India counts to be in the fifth number, with 20 million passengers travelling from this destination in 2017. It is situated in the former capital of India- Kolkata (Calcutta). It holds a historical significance with Amelia Erhart’s ill-fated flight passed in 1937.
It was modified to increase the flyer handling capacity in 2005. It has wider runways and a CAT III instrument installed for improving the landing system. There are all the famed airlines accessing this airport, namely Air India, Biman Bangladesh, Myanmar Airways InternationalBhutan Airlines, Emirates, Etihad Airways, China Eastern Airlines, Thai Airways, Silk Air, Cathay Dragon, Singapore Airlines and Sri Lankan Airlines.
Rajiv Gandhi International Airport
Planned after the failure of Begumpet Airport in an increased number of flyer handling. It started in 2008 and managed to manage 12 million passengers to 18 million passengers in 2017-18. The best part of this airline hub is that it is located near the village and connects passengers on a halt to meet their fellows nearby.
Similar to other airports in India, this nine-year experienced ambience is also having new runways and terminals coming. The construction will be done in three phases. The first [phase will have 18 million passenger capacity, the other phase will encourage 20 million travellers, and the final phase will expand to handle 40 million passengers in a single moment.
Sardar Vallabhai Patel International Airport
International flights from the air transit hub started in 1991, even though it has been in service since 1937. Although it has an approximate 8.5 million-person capacity right now, in FI 2017, it has already carried over 9 million passengers! There are currently two terminals: T1 for domestic flights and T2 for domestic and international travel.
A travelator or moving walkway that is around 500 metres long connects them. In Terminal 1’s opulent BICA Lounge and Terminal 2’s Port Lounge, transit users can unwind. The Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad also has a canteen and a number of duty-free stores and eateries. Reserve lodging close to Ahmedabad Airport.
Cochin International Airport
Cochin International Airport, which opened in 1999, is built in the traditional Kerala style. Since Delhi was the only international airport in India with three terminals, Cochin International Airport has also made its place to have 3 terminals currently with two domestic and one international air transit. Due to this, the airport’s potential capacity has increased to 21 million, which is much more than it can handle (less than 10.5 million travellers in FY 2017).
One of its great achievements is being India’s first airport to run entirely on solar power! Among the foreign cities with direct flights to Kochi are Sharjah, Kuala Lumpur, Dubai, Jeddah, Dammam, Bahrain, Muscat, Doha, Kuwait, Singapore, Riyadh, Bangkok, and Colombo. Hotels near Cochin Airport can be reserved.
Pune International Airport
The Financial Year 2017 saw little over 8 million passengers use Pune Airport, making it the seventh busiest in India. A portion of it continues to operate as an aviation base today under the control of the Indian Air Force after being established as one by the Royal Air Force.
Despite having two runways, only one is used for takeoffs and landings; the other is used as a taxiway for military aircraft. The runway’s length will be extended as part of the redevelopment plan to accommodate larger planes. The administrative offices will be relocated to a different structure as part of the same plan, which will also see the development of a VIP lounge and several contemporary facilities inside the airport. Hotel reservations for the Pune Airport are recommended.
Dabolim International Airport
The Dabolim Airport in Goa is arguably the most picturesque in the nation because it is situated right next to the beach. It was built by the Portuguese in 1955 and served in part as an airbase for the Indian Navy and in part as a civilian airport. Its brand-new terminal opened in 2013 and is nearly at full capacity (7.6 million passengers annually).
It handled over 50,000 scheduled, chartered, and seasonal flights in FI 2017. Moscow, St. Petersburg, Manchester, Kiev, Birmingham, Helsinki, and St. Petersburg are just a few foreign locations with regular or seasonal direct flights to Goa Airport. Find lodging close to the Goa Airport.
End Thoughts
There is already a desire for newer airports, such as Navi Mumbai Airport for Mumbai, Jewar Airport or Taj International Airport for Delhi, and New Pune Airport for Pune since, as was previously mentioned, the capacity of all these airports is expected to increase. Over 100 million tourists and business travellers will undoubtedly find their lives made easier by this advancement in the aviation industry.
FAQs
How many international airports are there in India?
Counting all international airports in India, 34 air transit hubs are currently operating nationwide.
Which is the 35th International Airport in India?
Considering 34th among the total international airports in India, it is Bagdogra Airport, West Bengal. There is no announced plan for the 35th international airport yet.
Which is the top 5 International Airport in India?
The below listed are the top 5 international airports in India:
- Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi. Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai.
- Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru.
- Chennai International Airport.
- Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata.
Which is India's No 1 airport?
Indira Gandhi International Airport is ranked the best in all aspects, with high passenger handling capacity and flight operations in the country.
Which is the biggest international airport in India?
Indira Gandhi International Airport in India is the biggest air transit hub currently.
Which is the smallest international airport in India?
The airport of Trichy is the smallest in India, with 3256 meters of area coverage.
Which is the busiest airport in India?
Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport in India is the busiest airport with domestic and international fights.