India’s aviation network has grown faster than ever in the last decade. From business travelers to tourists, millions now rely on International Airports in India for safe, modern, and connected journeys. These airports are not just terminals they are the country’s global gateways that link major Indian cities to every continent.
In this guide, we’ll explore the top 10 international airports in India, supported by facts, rankings, and real numbers. You’ll also learn what makes each airport special from design and traffic to global connectivity and future growth.
Quick Overview of the Top 10 International Airports in India
| Rank | International Airport Name | City / State | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) | New Delhi | Busiest airport in India; handles over 1M tonnes of cargo each year |
| 2 | Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) | Mumbai, Maharashtra | Gateway to western India and hub for global finance and business |
| 3 | Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) | Bengaluru, Karnataka | Fastest-growing airport in South India with eco-friendly design |
| 4 | Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYD) | Hyderabad, Telangana | Known for its smart design and expanding global routes |
| 5 | Chennai International Airport (MAA) | Chennai, Tamil Nadu | Key link between southern India and Southeast Asian destinations |
| 6 | Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU) | Kolkata, West Bengal | Major air hub for eastern and northeastern India |
| 7 | Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (AMD) | Ahmedabad, Gujarat | Western India’s gateway with strong Gulf and trade connections |
| 8 | Cochin International Airport (COK) | Kochi, Kerala | World’s first airport fully powered by solar energy |
| 9 | Pune International Airport (PNQ) | Pune, Maharashtra | Rapidly growing as a secondary international hub for Mumbai |
| 10 | Dabolim International Airport (GOI) | Goa | Key tourism-driven airport connecting to Europe and the Middle East |
1. Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), New Delhi
Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) is the largest and busiest international airport in India, handling over 73.6 million passengers and 1 million tonnes of cargo annually. It connects New Delhi to 140+ global destinations and is ranked among the top 20 airports in the world. Its Terminal 3 and the newly opened Terminal 1 upgrades make it a massive, world-class facility with high-end automation, self-baggage drops, and rapid immigration.
Key Highlights
- Handles 1,200+ flights daily
- Serves 60+ international airlines
- Built capacity target: 100 million passengers by 2030
- 24x7 Metro and expressway connectivity
2. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM), Mumbai
Mumbai’s CSMIA is the second-busiest airport in India, handling nearly 52.8 million passengers per year. Its iconic Terminal 2, designed like a peacock feather, is known worldwide for art and architecture. It serves as a primary hub for business travel and cargo exports, connecting to major global cities across Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.
Key Highlights
- 950+ aircraft movements per day
- India’s financial capital hub
- Major cargo and logistics gateway
- Navi Mumbai International Airport will share future load
3. Kempegowda International Airport (BLR), Bengaluru
Kempegowda International Airport handles over 37.5 million passengers yearly and is among Asia’s fastest-growing airports. Located in India’s tech capital, Bengaluru, it sees heavy traffic from business travelers, students, and global tech employees. The airport features Terminal 2, a sustainable, garden-themed terminal with advanced biometric systems and 24x7 cargo operations.
Key Highlights
- Passenger growth: 20% year-over-year
- 400+ daily flights
- Solar-powered and eco-certified terminal
- Ranked among world’s top green airports
4. Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYD), Hyderabad
Hyderabad’s airport handled 25 million passengers last year and has won multiple awards for service quality. It offers non-stop routes to Dubai, Singapore, London, and Chicago. Known for its efficiency and cleanliness, it’s expanding its second runway and adding terminals to support over 40 million passengers in coming years.
Key Highlights
- Major Middle East connection hub
- Advanced AI-based passenger management
- Expanding cargo logistics zone
- Smart energy-efficient architecture
5. Chennai International Airport (MAA), Tamil Nadu
Handling about 21.2 million passengers annually, Chennai Airport connects southern India to major Asian destinations. It’s a key route for travelers flying to Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Australia. The airport’s modernization program includes a brand-new integrated terminal with improved passenger facilities and digital systems.
Key Highlights
- 80+ international and domestic connections
- Major cargo center for auto exports
- Seamless metro link from city center
- Longest operational runway in southern India
6. Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU), Kolkata
Kolkata’s airport manages nearly 19.8 million passengers yearly, serving as the eastern gateway of India. It connects to Southeast Asia and neighboring countries like Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal. Its terminal is built for modern capacity and convenience, with upgraded runways and expanded cargo facilities.
Key Highlights
- Primary hub for East India
- Direct routes to Bangkok, Dhaka, and Kathmandu
- Smart flight information systems
- Handles both passenger and regional cargo efficiently
7. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (AMD), Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad Airport handles over 11.7 million passengers annually and serves as Gujarat’s international gateway. It’s particularly strong for Middle East and Gulf traffic due to the large Indian diaspora abroad. Expansion projects aim to handle 20 million passengers by 2030, with a new terminal under construction.
Key Highlights
- 30+ direct international flights weekly
- Strong business and religious tourism demand
- Upcoming domestic-cum-international terminal
- Located near Gujarat’s industrial hubs
8. Cochin International Airport (COK), Kerala
Cochin Airport serves 10.3 million passengers yearly and stands out for being the world’s first airport fully powered by solar energy. It handles major traffic from the Middle East, where Kerala’s expat community resides. Its design focuses on sustainability, passenger comfort, and green energy innovation.
Key Highlights
- 100% renewable energy operation
- Over 30 international destinations
- Frequent flights to Gulf nations
- Strong hub for expatriate travel
9. Pune International Airport (PNQ), Maharashtra
With 9.5 million passengers annually, Pune Airport is fast becoming a key international airport in western India. It supports both business and leisure travel while reducing the load on Mumbai. A new terminal and runway expansion are under progress to boost passenger capacity and flight frequency.
Key Highlights
- Shorter international connection times
- Rapidly growing corporate travel market
- New terminal to support 10M+ capacity
- Located near India’s major automotive corridor
10. Dabolim International Airport (GOI), Goa
Dabolim Airport, serving 6.9 million passengers yearly, is the primary entry point for global tourists visiting Goa. It operates multiple seasonal flights from Europe, Russia, and the Middle East. With a new airport under development in Mopa, Goa’s international traffic is expected to double within a few years.
Key Highlights
- Key tourism hub of western India
- Heavy seasonal passenger influx
- Direct links to major global leisure destinations
- Future Mopa Airport to expand total capacity
Why this India’s busiest international airports ranking matters to you?
Knowing the ranking helps choose better flights, smoother connections, and smarter logistics. Travelers pick airports with more direct routes and amenities. Businesses pick airports with strong cargo and schedule reliability. This ranking guides decisions for tourism, trade, and expansion.
Passenger Tips for Using Major International Airports in India
- Arrive at least three hours for international flights at big hubs.
- Check your terminal before you travel; many cities have multiple terminals.
- Use online check-in and mobile boarding passes to save time.
- For connecting flights, allow extra buffer for immigration and security.
- Use airport lounges if you have long layovers for comfort and work needs.
How growth shapes local economies and jobs?
Airport growth boosts local economies by creating thousands of new jobs in transport, hotels, and logistics. As more flights open, tourism rises, bringing more visitors and spending. Businesses nearby gain faster export routes and easier access to clients. Cities around airports grow quickly with new housing, malls, and services. Overall, each new route strengthens both local trade and community income.
FAQs
Which is the busiest international airport in India?
Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi is India’s busiest, handling over 73.6 million passengers annually.
Which is the second-busiest airport in India?
Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport ranks second with 52.8 million passengers per year.
Which is the fastest-growing international airport in India?
Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru is India’s fastest-growing air hub, expanding by over 20% yearly.
Which airport is known for its green energy innovation?
Cochin International Airport in Kerala is the world’s first fully solar-powered airport.
Which airport connects India to Southeast Asia the most?
Chennai International Airport serves as the key southern gateway to Southeast Asian destinations.
Which Indian airport handles the most cargo traffic?
Delhi’s IGI Airport tops cargo handling, processing over 1 million tonnes every year.
Which airport is the main hub for tourism in India?
Goa’s Dabolim International Airport serves as India’s top tourism-focused air entry point.
What new airports will boost India’s international capacity?
Navi Mumbai and Mopa (Goa) airports are the next major projects to expand India’s global connectivity.