India's Largest Airports: Top 20 International Hubs

Oct 23, 2025 by Jhon Lennon 52 views

Hey guys! Ever wondered about the massive scale of air travel in India? Well, buckle up, because we're diving deep into the world of aviation to explore the top 20 biggest international airports in India. These aren't just your average landing strips; they're bustling hubs that connect India to the world, handling millions of passengers and tons of cargo every year. We're talking about everything from sleek terminals and long runways to state-of-the-art facilities and a whole lot of hustle and bustle. So, if you're a travel enthusiast, an aviation geek, or just plain curious, you're in for a treat. Let's get started on this exciting journey through the skies!

1. Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi (DEL)

Alright, first up, we have Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, also known as DEL. This is the kingpin of Indian aviation, and it's not hard to see why. Delhi's airport is the busiest airport in India in terms of passenger traffic. It's a massive complex, with multiple terminals, offering a wide range of domestic and international flights. The airport has undergone significant expansions over the years, and continues to evolve, adding more capacity to handle the growing number of passengers. The airport is a major gateway for both business and leisure travelers, and has become a crucial hub for international travel to and from India. It offers a wide array of amenities, including duty-free shops, restaurants, lounges, and hotels, ensuring a comfortable experience for travelers. You can get almost anywhere in the world from Delhi, making it the most connected airport in the country. The airport's strategic location and extensive connectivity make it an essential hub for air travel in South Asia, significantly contributing to India's connectivity with the rest of the world. It provides world-class services and infrastructure. It's a true reflection of India's booming aviation industry.

Key Features and Facts

Passenger Traffic: Handles over 70 million passengers annually.
Terminals: Has three operational terminals (T1, T2, T3).
Runways: Boasts three runways.
Connectivity: Offers flights to almost every major city in the world.

2. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai (BOM)

Next on our list is Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai, or BOM for all you airport code aficionados. Mumbai's airport is a close second in terms of passenger traffic. It's another crucial international gateway, especially for business and tourism. It's known for its iconic architecture, with the new Terminal 2 being a masterpiece in itself. This airport is always buzzing with activity and plays a vital role in connecting Mumbai to the world. Mumbai airport is strategically located, making it a key hub for both domestic and international travel. It handles a significant number of flights to various destinations worldwide, catering to a diverse range of travelers. The airport has undergone several upgrades and expansions to accommodate the increasing number of passengers, and to enhance the travel experience. It's also an important cargo hub. It provides various amenities such as retail outlets, dining options, and lounges.

Key Features and Facts

Passenger Traffic: Handles over 45-50 million passengers annually.
Terminals: Features two terminals (T1 and T2).
Runways: Operates with two intersecting runways.
Connectivity: Strong connections to Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

3. Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru (BLR)

Bangalore's Kempegowda International Airport, or BLR, is next. This airport has seen tremendous growth, especially in recent years. It serves the tech hub of India, and is a major center for both domestic and international travel. Its modern design and efficient operations make it a favorite among travelers. The airport has continually expanded its capacity to accommodate a growing number of passengers and flights. It is a major hub for both domestic and international flights, with a focus on connectivity to various destinations across the globe. It is well-equipped with modern facilities, providing a comfortable and convenient travel experience for passengers. BLR's strategic importance lies in serving a major technological and economic center, connecting it to numerous international locations. It facilitates trade and tourism, contributing significantly to the city's economic growth.

Key Features and Facts

Passenger Traffic: Handles over 30-35 million passengers annually.
Terminals: Features one main terminal with expansion plans.
Runways: Equipped with a single, high-capacity runway.
Connectivity: Growing rapidly with strong connections to North America and Southeast Asia.

4. Chennai International Airport, Chennai (MAA)

Chennai International Airport, or MAA, is another important international hub. It serves as a major gateway to South India. It handles a substantial amount of international traffic and plays a crucial role in the region's connectivity. The airport is a critical hub for both domestic and international flights, offering extensive connectivity. It's known for its streamlined operations and its role in connecting Chennai with major global cities. Chennai International Airport has undergone several upgrades and expansions to enhance its capacity and improve passenger experience. It offers a comprehensive range of amenities, including retail outlets, dining options, and lounges to cater to the needs of travelers. The airport serves as a significant economic driver, facilitating trade and tourism for the city.

Key Features and Facts

Passenger Traffic: Handles over 20-25 million passengers annually.
Terminals: Consists of three terminals (for domestic and international flights).
Runways: Operates with two runways.
Connectivity: Focuses on connections to Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.

5. Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad (HYD)

Next up is Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, HYD, in Hyderabad. This airport is known for its modern infrastructure and efficient operations. The airport plays an essential role in connecting Hyderabad to various domestic and international destinations. It is a key hub for both business and leisure travel, supporting the city's growth. The airport has expanded its capacity to handle an increasing number of passengers and flights, ensuring a smooth and comfortable travel experience. It provides a range of modern amenities, including retail outlets, dining options, and lounges to meet passenger needs. The strategic location and efficient operations of the airport have made it a major player in India's aviation sector.

Key Features and Facts

Passenger Traffic: Handles around 20-22 million passengers annually.
Terminals: Has one integrated terminal.
Runways: Features a single runway.
Connectivity: Offers good connections to the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

6. Cochin International Airport, Kochi (COK)

Cochin International Airport, COK, is the first airport in the world built under a public-private partnership. It serves as a vital gateway to Kerala. This airport is known for its impressive infrastructure and efficient operations. It serves as an essential hub for both domestic and international flights. Cochin International Airport has expanded its capacity over the years to accommodate increasing passenger numbers. It offers a range of modern amenities to ensure a comfortable and convenient experience for all travelers. The airport has played a crucial role in boosting tourism and trade in the region, making it an important economic driver for Kerala.

Key Features and Facts

Passenger Traffic: Handles over 10-12 million passengers annually.
Terminals: Includes three terminals (domestic, international, and cargo).
Runways: Operates with a single runway.
Connectivity: Focuses on connections to the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

7. Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata (CCU)

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata, or CCU, is another important international hub. This airport serves as a critical gateway to Eastern India. It handles a significant amount of international traffic and provides essential connectivity to the region. The airport is a major hub for both domestic and international flights. It has undergone several upgrades and expansions to enhance its capacity and improve the passenger experience. It offers a range of amenities, including retail outlets, dining options, and lounges. It plays a vital role in supporting trade and tourism in the region, making it a key economic driver for West Bengal.

Key Features and Facts

Passenger Traffic: Handles over 20 million passengers annually.
Terminals: Consists of one integrated terminal.
Runways: Features two runways.
Connectivity: Provides strong connections to Southeast Asia and Europe.

8. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad (AMD)

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, AMD, in Ahmedabad is an important airport serving Gujarat. This airport is a major hub for domestic and international flights, supporting business and tourism in the state. The airport provides essential connectivity, handling a significant number of passengers and cargo annually. It has undergone recent expansions to enhance its capacity and improve the travel experience. The airport offers various amenities, including retail outlets, dining options, and lounges. It is a crucial economic driver, facilitating trade and tourism for Gujarat.

Key Features and Facts

Passenger Traffic: Handles around 10 million passengers annually.
Terminals: Has two terminals.
Runways: Operates with two runways.
Connectivity: Provides good connections to the Middle East and Europe.

9. Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, Thiruvananthapuram (TRV)

Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, TRV, is a key airport serving Kerala. It is an important gateway for international travel to and from the region. The airport provides connectivity to various destinations, supporting tourism and trade. It has undergone expansions and upgrades to enhance passenger capacity and improve the overall travel experience. The airport is equipped with amenities and services, including retail outlets and lounges. It is a critical hub, facilitating significant economic activity in Kerala.

Key Features and Facts

Passenger Traffic: Handles around 4 million passengers annually.
Terminals: Consists of two terminals (domestic and international).
Runways: Features one runway.
Connectivity: Focuses on connections to the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

10. Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport, Nagpur (NAG)

Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport, NAG, in Nagpur, is an important airport in Central India. It serves as a key hub for domestic and international flights, supporting regional connectivity. The airport has undergone expansions to handle more passengers and flights, improving the travel experience. It provides essential amenities and services for travelers. The airport is crucial for trade and tourism, driving economic growth in the region.

Key Features and Facts

Passenger Traffic: Handles around 3 million passengers annually.
Terminals: Has one integrated terminal.
Runways: Features one runway.
Connectivity: Provides connections to the Middle East and various domestic destinations.

11. Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport, Lucknow (LKO)

Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport, LKO, in Lucknow, is an important airport for Uttar Pradesh. This airport is a key hub for both domestic and international flights, supporting connectivity to various destinations. The airport handles a growing number of passengers annually, with ongoing expansions and improvements to enhance capacity. It offers a range of amenities and services for travelers. The airport is important for trade and tourism, driving economic growth in the region.

Key Features and Facts

Passenger Traffic: Handles over 4 million passengers annually.
Terminals: Has two terminals.
Runways: Operates with one runway.
Connectivity: Provides good connections to the Middle East and domestic destinations.

12. Jaipur International Airport, Jaipur (JAI)

Jaipur International Airport, JAI, serves Rajasthan as a key international hub. This airport provides essential connectivity for both domestic and international flights. The airport manages a significant volume of passenger traffic and continues to expand its capacity. It offers a variety of amenities and services, including retail and dining options. The airport is crucial for the tourism industry and facilitates significant economic activity in the region.

Key Features and Facts

Passenger Traffic: Handles over 5 million passengers annually.
Terminals: Consists of two terminals.
Runways: Operates with one runway.
Connectivity: Provides connections to the Middle East and domestic destinations.

13. Goa International Airport, Dabolim (GOI)

Goa International Airport, GOI, is an essential gateway to the popular tourist destination of Goa. This airport serves both domestic and international flights. It has a significant role in supporting the tourism industry and facilitates travel to and from Goa. The airport offers basic amenities and services for travelers. It is an important economic driver for the state, supporting tourism and local businesses.

Key Features and Facts

Passenger Traffic: Handles over 8 million passengers annually.
Terminals: Features one integrated terminal.
Runways: Operates with one runway.
Connectivity: Provides connections to the Middle East and various domestic destinations.

14. Mangalore International Airport, Mangalore (IXE)

Mangalore International Airport, IXE, is a key airport serving the coastal region of Karnataka. It supports both domestic and international flights, and is a crucial hub for regional connectivity. The airport manages a moderate volume of passenger traffic. It provides basic amenities and services for travelers. The airport is important for the local economy, facilitating trade and tourism.

Key Features and Facts

Passenger Traffic: Handles over 2 million passengers annually.
Terminals: Consists of one integrated terminal.
Runways: Operates with one runway.
Connectivity: Provides connections to the Middle East and domestic destinations.

15. Calicut International Airport, Kozhikode (CCJ)

Calicut International Airport, CCJ, is an important airport serving Kerala. It handles both domestic and international flights. The airport plays a crucial role in connecting the region with other parts of the world. It provides necessary amenities and services for travelers. The airport significantly contributes to the local economy, facilitating travel and tourism.

Key Features and Facts

Passenger Traffic: Handles over 3 million passengers annually.
Terminals: Consists of two terminals.
Runways: Operates with one runway.
Connectivity: Provides connections to the Middle East and domestic destinations.

16. Srinagar International Airport, Srinagar (SXR)

Srinagar International Airport, SXR, is a key airport serving the region of Jammu and Kashmir. It handles both domestic and international flights, providing essential connectivity. The airport facilitates travel and tourism in the region. It offers necessary amenities for travelers. The airport is crucial for supporting the local economy.

Key Features and Facts

Passenger Traffic: Handles over 1 million passengers annually.
Terminals: Has one terminal.
Runways: Features one runway.
Connectivity: Provides connections to the Middle East and domestic destinations.

17. Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, Guwahati (GAU)

Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, GAU, is a significant airport serving Guwahati, Assam. It manages both domestic and international flights, providing essential connectivity to the region. The airport facilitates trade and tourism, boosting the local economy. It offers necessary amenities for travelers. The airport is a crucial hub for the Northeast.

Key Features and Facts

Passenger Traffic: Handles over 3 million passengers annually.
Terminals: Has one integrated terminal.
Runways: Features one runway.
Connectivity: Provides connections to Southeast Asia and domestic destinations.

18. Chandigarh International Airport, Chandigarh (IXC)

Chandigarh International Airport, IXC, serves as a significant hub for Chandigarh and nearby regions. It provides both domestic and international flight services, enhancing connectivity. The airport offers essential amenities for travelers, including restaurants and shops. It facilitates economic growth through tourism and trade. The airport is an important gateway for the region, supporting its connectivity.

Key Features and Facts

Passenger Traffic: Handles over 2 million passengers annually.
Terminals: Has one terminal.
Runways: Features one runway.
Connectivity: Provides connections to the Middle East and domestic destinations.

19. Coimbatore International Airport, Coimbatore (CJB)

Coimbatore International Airport, CJB, is a key airport serving Tamil Nadu. It offers both domestic and international flights, improving regional connectivity. The airport provides amenities and services for travelers. It is important for supporting local business and tourism. The airport enhances economic activity in the region by facilitating travel.

Key Features and Facts

Passenger Traffic: Handles over 2 million passengers annually.
Terminals: Has one terminal.
Runways: Features one runway.
Connectivity: Provides connections to the Middle East and domestic destinations.

20. Visakhapatnam International Airport, Visakhapatnam (VTZ)

Visakhapatnam International Airport, VTZ, is an important hub for Andhra Pradesh. It provides both domestic and international flight services, boosting regional connectivity. The airport offers amenities and services for travelers. It supports local businesses and tourism, aiding in economic growth. The airport enhances the region's connectivity, playing a crucial role in its development.

Key Features and Facts

Passenger Traffic: Handles over 2 million passengers annually.
Terminals: Has one terminal.
Runways: Features one runway.
Connectivity: Provides connections to the Middle East and domestic destinations.

Conclusion

So there you have it, folks! The top 20 biggest international airports in India. These airports are the lifeblood of Indian aviation, playing a vital role in connecting the country to the world and driving economic growth. From the bustling terminals of Delhi and Mumbai to the modern facilities in Bangalore and Hyderabad, each airport has its own unique character and importance. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or just someone who enjoys a good airplane, these airports are definitely worth keeping an eye on. Safe travels, and thanks for joining me on this aviation adventure!