Biggest Airport in India: What to Expect in 2025

India's aviation sector has soared to unprecedented heights, establishing itself as the world's third-largest domestic aviation market. With remarkable post-pandemic recovery and ambitious infrastructure developments, the biggest airport in India and other major aviation hubs are redefining global connectivity standards. From the sprawling largest airport in India to the busiest airport in India, these aviation marvels showcase cutting-edge technology, world-class amenities, and sustainable practices that position India as a global aviation powerhouse.

Breaking Records: India's Aviation Landscape in 2025

India's aviation industry has witnessed phenomenal growth, with airports handling over 43.62 million passengers in May 2024 alone. As of 2025, Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, located in Hyderabad, stands as the largest airport of India by area, with an area of 5,500 acres, while the government plans to add 50 new airports over the next five years to meet soaring demand.

The sector's expansion is driven by increased disposable income, growing middle-class populations, and government initiatives like the UDAN scheme, which has launched over 600 affordable flights in recent years. Moreover, regions like South Delhi vs Gurgaon are experiencing enhanced connectivity, while areas comparing Gurgaon vs Bangalore cost of living benefit from improved aviation infrastructure.

India's Largest Airport by Area: Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad

Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, located in Shamshabad, Hyderabad, is the largest airport in India by area, spanning 5,500 acres (2,200 hectares). This aviation giant has revolutionized air travel since its inauguration on March 23, 2008.

• Area Coverage: 5,500 acres, making it the biggest airport in India
• Passenger Capacity: Handles over 25 million passengers annually
• Cargo Operations: Manages approximately 150,000 tonnes of cargo yearly
• Technological Innovation: First in India to introduce domestic e-boarding (December 2015) and international boarding (October 2020)
• Sustainability: Operates on 100% renewable energy
• Strategic Importance: Serves as a hub for Alliance Air, Amazon Air, Blue Dart Aviation, SpiceJet, and IndiGo

However, the upcoming Jewar International Airport in Uttar Pradesh is set to claim the title of India's largest airport. Jewar International Airport in Uttar Pradesh is set to become India's largest and Asia's biggest airport by 2025. The first phase, expected to open by April 2025, will have a 90,000 square m terminal, a 4,150 m runway and integrated rail and metro stations.

India's Busiest Airport: Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi

Delhi Airport remains India's busiest airport, handling 77.8 million passengers in 2024. The Airport had handled 72.2 million in 2023. With 7.8% YoY growth, Delhi airport is one of the busiest airports in the world. This makes IGI Airport not just the busiest airport in India but also ranks it as the 9th busiest globally.

• Annual Passengers: 77.8 million (2024)
• Area: 5,100 acres, second largest airport in India
• Runways: Indira Gandhi International Airport has the longest runway in India, measuring 4,430 meters, increasing its capacity to handle up to 100 flights per hour
• Terminals: Three operational terminals with Terminal 3 being the crown jewel
• Global Ranking: 9th busiest airport worldwide

The airport's strategic location in the national capital makes it a preferred choice for both business and leisure travelers, connecting to major destinations worldwide and supporting the growth of the Global City Gurgaon region.

Top 10 Largest Airports in India by Area (2025)

Here's the definitive ranking of India's biggest airports in India by total area:

Rank	Airport Name	Location	Area (Acres)	Year Opened
1	Rajiv Gandhi International Airport	Hyderabad	5,500	2008
2	Indira Gandhi International Airport	New Delhi	5,100	1962
3	Kempegowda International Airport	Bangalore	4,000	2008
4	Manohar International Airport	Goa	2,132	2023
5	Dabolim Airport	Panaji, Goa	1,700	1955
6	Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport	Kolkata	1,640	-
7	Birsa Munda Airport	Ranchi	1,568	-
8	Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport	Mumbai	1,500	-
9	Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport	Nagpur	1,355	-
10	Cochin International Airport	Kochi	1,124	-

India's Busiest Airports by Passenger Traffic (2024)

According to the latest data released by the Airports Authority of India (AAI), all six airports witnessed impressive growth, with Delhi leading the way, followed closely by Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Kolkata:

• Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi
  Passengers (2024): 77.8 million
  Growth: 7.8% year-over-year
  Global Ranking: 9th busiest worldwide
• Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai
  Passengers (2024): Approximately 52.8 million
  Strategic Position: Second busiest airport in India
  Upcoming Relief: Navi Mumbai International Airport opening in 2025
• Kempegowda International Airport, Bangalore
  Bengaluru registered a 9.5% increase, reaching 40.7 million passengers in 2024, compared to 37.2 million in 2023. The city's status as India's technology capital has contributed to a steady rise in business and leisure travel.
• Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad
  Passengers (2024): Over 25 million
  Recognition: Fourth busiest airport in India
  Area Distinction: Largest airport in India by area
• Chennai International Airport
  Passengers: Approximately 21.2 million
  Growth: 14.2% year-over-year
  Regional Importance: Gateway to South India

India's Highest Airport: Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, Leh

Situated at 3,256 m (10,682 ft) above mean sea level, it is the highest commercial airport in India and one of the highest in the world. This remarkable airport showcases India's aviation capabilities in extreme geographical conditions

• Altitude: 3,256 meters (10,682 feet) above sea level
• Designation: Highest airport in India
• Global Ranking: Among the world's highest commercial airports
• Strategic Location: Serves the union territory of Ladakh
• Operational Challenges: Limited to morning operations due to mountain winds
• Military Significance: Dual-use facility serving both civilian and defense operations

The airport's extreme altitude and unique operational requirements make it a testament to Indian aviation engineering excellence, connecting the remote but strategically important Ladakh region with major Indian cities.

Revolutionary Airport Projects Changing the Game in India

India is not just relying on existing infrastructure. It’s building aggressively for the future. These are the upcoming mega-airports reshaping India’s aviation horizon:

1. Noida International Airport (Jewar)

Set to be the largest airport in India and Asia, the Noida International Airport will span over 5,000 hectares and is expected to handle 70 million passengers annually by 2040.

2. Navi Mumbai International Airport

Expected to alleviate traffic from Mumbai's main airport, Navi Mumbai is a $2.5 billion project spread over 1,160 hectares and will handle 60 million passengers annually by 2030.

3. Dholera International Airport (Gujarat)

Part of the Dholera Special Investment Region (DSIR), this airport aims to be a major cargo and passenger hub with advanced logistics capabilities.

Smart Airports, Greener Skies

Sustainability has become central to India’s airport expansion. Many airports are adopting green practices:

• Cochin International Airport: World's first fully solar-powered airport
• Rajiv Gandhi International Airport: Uses 100% renewable energy
• Indira Gandhi International Airport: IGIA received Level 4+ “Transition” accreditation from ACI for carbon management