The world of aviation has been a fascination for billions. After the creation of the plane, the Wright Brothers came into prominence, and the journey of aviation continued in its own identity. The people who never thought about such a creation were shocked. They also eventually took a flight. However, the creation of flight has been a fascination to many entrepreneurs. It gives them more inspiration to do something new. In this article, we will talk about such places where planes land, certainly the airport. The Indian aviation industry has recently seen an upsurge, but the pandemic destroyed every gain. It cannot be the same situation as it is today. It is expected the aviation industry will unfold in its new chapter within a few years, as well as sustaining the country’s economic growth. This list of the top 10 international airports in India will help you to execute your plan flawlessly.
Have you ever thought about how many international airports in India are there? Among 34 international airports in India, you may have been familiar with some of them. Data also suggests that the country is considered to possess most of the busiest airports as per its passenger, cargo, and aircraft movements. The country has some of the top international airports, which enrich the quality of the infrastructure of those airports. If you are familiar with those airports, then you will be able to connect to our list of international airports in India. The country is considered the third-largest domestic civil aviation market after the US and China. Today, Indian airports are being ornamented with shopping outlets, spas, great food, and beverages, etc. Along with the sheer adventure of traveling flights, the beauty of the airports also surprises us with their magnificent beauty. Because of the increment in traveling by flights, the cost of the fair has also been reduced.
As luxury travel slowly becomes affordable to billions, the hotel and tourism industry has also strengthened economically. According to the airport authority of India, there are 486 total airports, airstrips, flying schools, and military bases. There are 123 airports with scheduled commercial flights, including some dual civilian and many use. Also, there are 34 international airports in India. Because of the pandemic, the rules in airports have changed immensely. An airport ensures passenger safety at every stage as soon as they enter the place. Among 34 international airports, we will show you a list of the top 10 international airports in India. The Airport Authority of India takes care of the entire Indian airspace and adjoining oceanic areas with ground installations at all airports by providing Air Traffic Management Services to ensure safety. Let’s look at our top 10 international airports in India.
Top 10 International Airports of India
1. Indira Gandhi International Airport
Among India’s top 10 international airports, the Indira Gandhi International Airport always comes first because of its excellent infrastructure and facilities. Situated in Delhi, the airport is a major international hub for air travel. Like some other popular airports in India, this airport also has got some awards such as Best Airport in the World, Best Airport in Central Asia, and Best Airport Staff in Central Asia in 2015.
This is northern India’s life for air travel. The operation opened in 1962, it was formerly known as the Palam Airport. Then, in 1986, it was renamed Indira Gandhi International Airport. The airport spreads over an area of 5106 acres of land. It has been the busiest airport in India since 2009. In terms of the world and Asia, this is the 17th busiest airport in the world and the 6th busiest airport in Asia. According to the Airport Authority of India, they are planning to expand the capacity of the airport to manage 100 million passengers by 2030.
It is interesting to know that the airport was used for the Indian Airforce but later transferred to the Airport Authority of India. With shops, cafes, restaurants, baggage carts, and medical services available in the airport, Indira Gandhi International Airport comes top in our list of international airports in India. It was awarded the fourth best airport in the world in the 15-20 million category by Airports Council International in 2010.
2. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport
Where Indira Gandhi International Airport is the lifeline for Delhi, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport is the lifeline for Mumbai. It comes as one of the top 10 international airports in India, it was formerly known as Sahar International Airport. This is the 2nd busiest airport in the country in terms of passenger traffic. By 2019, this was the 14th busiest airport in Asia and 41st busiest airport in the world. Started operation 1942, the airport has a spa and magnificent luxury lounge.
Also, it possesses ATMs, currency exchange, duty-free shopping, child care room, smoking lounges, information center, restaurants, bars, food courts, etc. With several accolades such as World’s Best Airport in 2017, Best Airport in India and Central Asia, this international airport in India is the country’s pride. The airport was renamed in 1999 as of today’s name. By the Airport Council International, it was awarded the best airport in Asia-Pacific in 2020.
This airport is famous for its impeccable air traffic management and top-notch services. Spread over 1850 acres of land, it has two passenger terminals, and one is used for domestic flights, and the other is for international, domestic flights. As per the statistical report, this airport handled 45.87 million passengers in 2020 after IGI’s 67.3 million records.
3. Kempegowda International Airport
Next comes Kempegowda International Airport, which is another major international airport in India. Situated in Bangalore, it started operation in 2008. Beautiful gardens and lawns surround the airport. The land is spread across 4000 acres and is the first fully solar-powered airport in Karnataka. Some of the facilities inside the airport are lounges, ATMs, currency exchange, child care rooms, information centers, food courts, and shopping centers.
Becoming the third busiest airport in India, Kempegowda is named after the name of the founder of Bangalore. It was awarded as the Best Regional Airport in Asia and Central India, and it was also tagged as the 29th busiest airport in Asia. It possesses two passenger runways and a passenger terminal, and another terminal is under work-in-progress. The airport was awarded as the best airport in Asia-Pacific in 2020 by Airports Council International.
The airport caters to the needs of various kinds of passengers. There are fancy sleep pods to take a nab. For your information, this is another example of a private-public business model. This serves as one of the top 10 international airports in India.
4. Chennai International Airport
Named the 4th busiest airport in India, Chennai International Airport is the lifeline of Tamil Nadu, and this was considered the 49th busiest airport in Asia also. It is said that the airport is going to have a satellite terminal to be India’s first airport to handle 40 million passengers every year. Started operation in 1948, the airport possesses shops, information center, currency exchange, tourist and railway info booth, vending machines, luggage carts, etc.
Formerly known as the Madras Airport, this airport is the first airport to receive 90001-2000 certification. It is considered one of the top 10 international airports in India, and the Airports Authority of India governs it. More interesting is this airport is the center of the Southern flight information region. The Airport Sector provides security. The airport may go for privatization in the future, as per the government of India.
There are 4 terminals – the first terminal is known to be the first to have aero-bridges at the domestic terminal. Terminal 2 is specially used for cargo, and terminal 3 is used for arrival, whereas terminal 4 is used for departures for international travels. This is another top international airport in India.
5. Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport
Every state has its own identity by its airport. Kolkata is known for its Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport. This is one of the top international airports in India. Among 34 international airports, this comes as one of the top 10 international airports in India. This serves as the main aviation hub for the eastern and northwestern parts of the country.
Formerly known as Dum Dum Airport, it started operation in 1924. This is known as one of the oldest airports in India. In 2017-18, the airport handled 20 million passengers, making it the 5th busiest airport in India. The awards include the Best Improved Airport in Asia-Pacific by Airports Council International, and it was also awarded for its best hygienic environment in Asia-Pacific by the ACI.
Spread across 1600 acres of land, the airport has free WiFi, ATMs, currency exchange, duty-free shopping, pharmacy, medical facilities, child care room, restaurants, and food courts. Because of the pandemic safety, the airport has been set up with 400 beds, and the washrooms have also been upgraded.
6. Rajiv Gandhi International Airport
It started operation in 2008, replacing Begumpet Airport. Located in Hyderabad, this is a top-rated airport in the state of Telangana. It was also ranked in the top 10 airports in the world by AirHelp. It has one passenger terminal, cargo terminal, and two runways. As of 2020-21, the airport handled 8 million passengers, making it one of the top 10 international airports in India. It is after the name of Rajiv Gandhi, the former prime minister of India.
The facilities include Free-WiFi, ATMs, currency exchange, child care rooms, restaurants, food courts, aviation training grounds, a fuel farm, solar power plant, and two MRO facilities. This is the 6th busiest airport in India that caters to domestic and international air traffic. Because of the rising demand, the airport has been expanding its infrastructure. The airport has already received the Airport Health Accreditation.
With luxurious waiting lounges, eating outlets, this airport has been a preferred choice for millions of passengers over the years. It has spread across 5400 acres of land, which handles 40 million passengers annually, making it a top international airport in India. It is a focus city for Air India, and it serves as the hub for Alliance Air, Blue Dart Aviation, SpiceJet, Lufthansa Cargo, Quikjet Cargo, TruJet, and IndiGo.
7. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport
This is named as the lifeline of Gujarat and the particular identity of the state. In our list of international airports in India, SVPI is an international airport situated in Ahmedabad. Serving two cities, including Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar, this airport is the 7th busiest airport in India in terms of passenger traffic.
There is a buzz about the privatization of this airport, and it was awarded as the Most Improved Airport in Asia-Pacific by the Airports Council International in 2017. The airport has two terminals, T1 is used for domestic flights, whereas T2 is used for international and domestic operations as well.
Facilities include luggage services, ATMs, child care rooms, and spa services. Spread across 627 acres of land, this airport provides all the safety for passengers because of the pandemic situation. A solar plant has been commissioned by the government, which is under work-in-progress. Because of the rising passengers, another new Dholera International Airport is being developed.
8. Cochin International Airport
This is another private-public business model which serves the city of Kochi in the state of Kerala. Because of its different business model, the airport has been funded by non-resident Indians across 30 countries. It handled 10.2 million passengers in 2018-19, making it the 8th busiest airport in India. The airport has a market share of 61.8% in the state of Kerala.
There are 3 passenger terminals and one cargo terminal. In 2015, the airport became the first fully solar-powered airport with the creation of the solar plant. The airport was awarded as the Champion of the Earth in 2018, making it one of the top 10 international airports in India. Also, it was awarded as the Best Airport in the Asia-Pacific region in 2020.
Some of the basic amenities include luxurious lounges, duty-free stores, bookshops, eating outlets, etc. Spread across 1213 acres of land, the airport is the first airport to provide higher education in aviation management and technical areas to improve the skill of human resources. They have also teamed with Indira Gandhi National Open University to start two schools in aviation management.
9. Pune International Airport
Situated in Pune, this international airport is the 9th busiest airport in India. In 2020, the airport handled 8.09 million passengers, making it one of the top 10 international airports in India. Because of its clean environment and hygienic condition, the airport was awarded as the best airport in Asia-Pacific in 2020 by Airports Council International.
The airport serves both domestic and international air traffic. Among top international airports in India, Pune International airport also has top-notch facilities, including duty-free shops, information desk, post office, medical services, restaurants, and smoking lounges. The airport has a 2535 long runway which the Airport Authority of India operates.
Because of acquisition problems, a new project is under construction which is the Greenfield Airport. The new airport will be spread across a 2400 hectares area which is supposed to boost up the operation of Pune and neighboring cities. Along with this, a 1 billion INR plan has also been undertaken by the government. Because of the Covid-19 pandemic, some precautions have been taken for the safety of passengers.
10. Dabolim Airport
Dabolim Airport is the soul of Goa, the smallest state of India. It is primarily operated for military and public purposes, and this is one of the important air bases for the Indian Navy. It caters to domestic and international passengers as well. Spread across 688 acres of land, the airport is an emblem of the first-class infrastructure with an aesthetic feeling. Becoming one of the top 10 international airports in India, Dabolim Airport at once served as the main hub of Portuguese India’s airline TAIP.
Specifically established in 1955 for transport, the domestic terminal building was built in 1983, whereas the international terminal building was built in 1996. This airport provides many amenities, including luxury lounges, duty-free stores, restaurants, ATMs, and an information desk. In 2019-20, the airport handled 8.36 million passengers. A new airport at Mopa has also been undertaken because of the traffic congestion, which is expected to be completed in 2023.
In 2013, an integrated terminal was built up for both domestic and international flights. There are 75 check-in counters, 8 customs counters, 18 immigration counters for arrival, 22 immigration counters for departure, and 14 security check booths. The Indian Navy owns this airport. Because of the pandemic, safety precautions have been undertaken.
Conclusion
This was the list of international airports in India. I hope this comes as helpful as you make tea. It can be a guide to travel comfortably all over the world. Safe traveling.
Read More: Best Garner
