10 Biggest Airports in India: Driving the Nation's Global Connectivity
Symbiosis Infra
Nov 28, 2024 • 5 min read
India is renowned for its vibrant culture and diversity and is among the world's fastest-developing economies. Since gaining independence, the nation has witnessed remarkable progress in numerous sectors, including real estate, aviation, retail, tourism, and more. Today, we aim to highlight India's aviation sector and discuss how some of the key airports in India stand out with distinctive features and advantages, including the Indira Gandhi International Airport - recognized as the largest airport in India. Several other international airports in India also meet the growing demand for air travel. Our country boasts some of the top international airports in India, hosting a vast number of flights daily to accommodate countless passengers. Additionally, the largest airports in India are equipped with premium amenities such as cafes, duty-free shops, lounges, restrooms, and much more. Let this blog serve as your ultimate guide to the biggest airports in India and explore them like never before.
Largest International Airports in India
Below, we present a list of airports in India that provide connections to nearly all major global destinations. Let's delve into this notable compilation of airports in India.
1. Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi: Largest Airport in India
Indira Gandhi International Airport, located in New Delhi, holds the distinction of being the biggest airport in India. The airport is named in honor of the first female Prime Minister of India - Mrs. Indira Gandhi. Beyond being identified as the largest airport in India, it also ranks as the 12th busiest airport globally. This massive airport in India offers travelers numerous premium facilities and cutting-edge infrastructure. Spanning 5,000 acres, it accommodates more than 80 international flights. IGI Airport has been recognized as one of the leading airports in India and South Asia by the Skytrax World Airport Awards.
2. Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport
Mumbai's Shivaji International Airport is among the prominent international airports in India, named after the renowned Maratha Emperor - Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. This second-largest airport in India offers exceptional amenities such as business lounges, complimentary WiFi, an information desk, and a baby care room, enhancing the travel experience for passengers. The airport is seamlessly connected to Mumbai and its surrounding areas via major highways.
3. Chennai International Airport, Chennai
Chennai International Airport is one of the largest airports in India, surpassing many other international airports. It is ranked sixth in terms of busyness among airports in India. The airport features two runways measuring 12,000 ft. and 9500 ft., respectively. Known for hosting the country's largest Air Traffic Control Center, it spans 1323 acres, offers 70 parking bays, and handles over 200 domestic and 30 international flights daily.
4. Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata
Among the international airports in India, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata stands out. Named after the prominent freedom fighter Subhash Chandra Bose, this expansive airport covers an area of 2460 acres. It provides passengers with a range of services and facilities, including banking, coffee shops, restaurants, duty-free shopping, luggage trolleys, lost and found services, prayer rooms, baby care rooms, smoking areas, medical assistance, and more.
5. Kempegowda International Airport, Bangalore
Situated in Bangalore, Karnataka, Kempegowda International Airport is one of Asia's busiest airports. It holds the distinction of being the first and largest airport in India built through a public-private partnership. Spanning 15,000 sq ft of land and 4000 acres post-expansion, this major airport in India caters to around 25 million passengers annually. Facilities include a day hotel, sleep pods, ATMs, duty-free shops, free WiFi, and more.
6. Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad
Located in Hyderabad, Rajiv Gandhi International Airport is one of the largest airports in India, managing over 5,500 flights daily. Established in 2008, it is recognized as one of the safest airports globally. It was also the first airport in India to receive the Sword of Honour title. Facilities include free WiFi, lounge services, sanitary pad vending machines, prayer rooms, smoking zones, medical support, baby care rooms, and baggage services.
7. Cochin International Airport, Kochi
Cochin International Airport is among the largest airports in India and significantly contributes to Kerala's economy. Notably, it is the first fully solar-powered airport in the world. With three terminals, this airport offers various amenities, including duty-free shops, first-aid rooms, VIP lounges, Forex, ATMs, restaurants, childcare rooms, postal services, and more.
8. Trivandrum International Airport, Thiruvananthapuram
Inaugurated in 1932, Trivandrum International Airport became an international hub in 1991. Spanning 700 acres, it features a single runway and two passenger terminals. Passengers can enjoy facilities such as a lost and found department, passenger guides, ATMs, baggage services, childcare areas, and free WiFi.
9. Sri Guru Ram Das Ji International Airport, Amritsar
Located in Amritsar, this airport is named after Sri Guru Ram Das Ji, the fourth Guru of Sikhs. Spanning 40,000 sq m, it handles an average of 2.5 million passengers yearly and serves as a hub for domestic and international cargo. Facilities include check-in counters, immigration desks, customs counters, and conveyor belts.
10. Sardar Vallabhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad
Established in 1937, this is the biggest airport in India and is named after the great leader, the first Deputy Prime Minister of India - Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The airport is located in the Hansol region of Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Sardar Vallabhai Patel International Airport consists of three terminals:
- Terminal 1 of the Sardar Vallabhai Patel International Airport handles domestic passengers and flights.
- Terminal 2 of the Sardar Vallabhai Patel International Airport handles overseas flights and passengers.
- Terminal 3 of the Sardar Vallabhai Patel International Airport acts as an overflow terminal for the Hajj pilgrimage during their arrival.
The airport handles over 160 flights a day and has 45 parking bays. It is one of those International airports in India that has been recognized as the 'Most Improved Airport' in the Asia-Pacific region in 2017.
Conclusion
Housing international airports in India has a direct positive impact on the country's growth. It boosts tourism and inter-country business and relations. Furthermore, these world-class airports improve the city's connectivity, making it a more attractive destination for investment in real estate With the Indian government's focus on infrastructure development and improving air connectivity, we can expect to see potentially-increased growth in the real estate sector - particularly in areas around these biggest airports in India. As the demand for properties near airports increases, investors will benefit from high returns on investment and profits.