15 International Airports In India That Are Best In Class, Comfort & Convenience

Posted on Thursday, July 21st, 2022 by Pawanpreet Kaur 3 comments

International Airports in India have now picked up the pace by keeping their aesthetics up a notch through astonishing interiors, public art, appetising food beverages and cleaner washrooms. Every biggest airport in India now allows customers to access amenities that can make their time spent at the airport bearable. The Airport Authority Of India (AAI) plans to bring 250 airports across the country in the coming years. However, for now, the AAI takes care of all 137 airports in India, out of which, we’ve crunched a list of the 15 best airports in India that are no less than a destination themselves.  

 1. Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi

Best and the busiest airport in India, Indira Gandhi International Airport is the primary civilian airport serving the capital of India. Named after Indira Gandhi, the first female Prime Minister of India, the DEL airport is one of the most beautiful airports in India. Moreover, it has always outpaced other airports in India in terms of passenger traffic and cargo handling with a capacity to handle more than 40 million passengers and one million metric tons of cargo per annum. 

Indira Gandhi International Airport is committed to providing passengers with a comfortable and convenient travel experience. The airport continually strives to enhance its facilities and services to meet the growing needs of passengers. Furthermore, it is well connected to the city centre and other parts of Delhi by a network of roads and expressways. 

Quick Facts About Indira Gandhi International Airport 

• Proven to be India’s largest Air Cargo handling airport
• Has the longest runway in India
• Around 80 airlines serve DEL airport
• Recognised as India’s largest aviation hub
• Scores 4.90 out of 5 as per the ACI ASQ benchmarking programme

IATA Code: DEL

Year Of Establishment: 1962

Hub For: Air India, AirAsia India, Alliance Air, Go First, Indigo, Vistara, Zoom Air, SpiceJet, Quikjet Airlines 

Services & Facilities: Free Wifi, Mobile Charging Stations, Duty-free Shopping, Lounge Area, Baby Care Facilities, Gaming Area, Foods and Beverages, Medical Services, ATMs, Currency Exchange, Smoking Room, Shower Room, Prayer Room, Luggage Lockers, and Hotels in transit. 

Passengers Statistics: Around 40 million (2021-2022)

2. Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, Mumbai

One of the major airports in India, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport is the 2nd busiest airport in India serving the “City of Dreams”. The airport was once known as the “Sahar International Airport” and handled only domestic flights. Today, it is amongst the top 10 airports in India and handles both domestic and international flights. Moreover, the facilities offered by the airport are outstanding and can definitely make travel easier for passengers. 

In the chase to be recognised as the biggest airport in India, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport strives to provide a higher level of service to its passengers. It is also well-connected to the city of Mumbai and its suburbs via a good network of roads and highways.  

Quick Facts About Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport 

• Handles around 980 flights in a day
• Recognised as the best airport in India & Central in 2017
• Named after Maratha Emperor, Chhatrapati Shivaji
• Holds more than 6000 artworks in total
• Terminal 2 was built at a cost of 125000 million. 

IATA Code: BOM

Year Of Establishment: 1942

Hub For: Air India, Vistara, Go First, Indigo Airlines 

Services & Facilities: Adani Lounges, Free Wifi, Lost and Found Services, Information Desk, Automated Buggy Service, Baggage Trolley Services, Baby Care Room, Medical Facilities, Currency Exchange, Niranta Airport Hotel Transit, Prayer Room and Smoking Area

Passengers Statistics: Around 21 million (2021-2022)

3. Chennai International Airport, Chennai

India’s fastest-growing international airport, Chennai International Airport serves Chennai and has overtaken many other airports in India. Despite the limited infrastructure, the airport has outperformed and handled over 9.53 million passengers in 2021. The airport currently has two runways with a length of 12,000 feet and 9500 feet respectively. With all the improved services, the MAA airport is definitely a nomination for the biggest airport in India. 

The Chennai airport handles around 200 domestic flights and 30 international flights in a day. Although not the largest airport in India as it spreads over an area of 1323 acres but has 3 terminals that take care of domestic, international and cargo operations.  

Quick Facts About Chennai International Airport

• Recognised as the sixth busiest airport in India
• Ranks no. 8 for “On-Time Performance” in 2021
• India’s first airport to install aerobridges at domestic terminals 
• Known to have the biggest Air Traffic Control (ATC) centre in India. 
• It has 70 parking bays and the total area is as big as to accommodate 1200 cars and an A-320 Airbus

IATA Code: MAA

Year Of Establishment: 1932

Hub For: Alliance Air, Indigo Airlines, SpiceJet, TruJet, Blue Dart Aviation

Services & Facilities: Duty-Free Shopping, Self-Check In, Retiring Rooms, Smoking Lounge, Free Wifi, Prayer Room, Foreign Exchange, Lost and Care Services, Child Care Room, ATMs, Lounge Facility, India Post, Baggage Wrapping

Passengers Statistics: Around 9.53 million (2021-2022)

4. Kempegowda International Airport, Bangalore

Amongst the busiest airports in India, Kempegowda International Airport is always on the list of top 10 airports in India. Located about 40 km north of the city near the village of Devanahalli, the airport is named after Kempe Gowda I, the founder of Bangalore. Keeping the airport’s infrastructure, facilities, services, and operations into consideration, it was also given the “Best Airport Award” in the Wings India Awards 2022.

With the capacity of handling around 25 million passengers per year, Kempegowda International Airport has been rated one of the best airports in India in terms of cargo operations and passenger traffic. Moreover, the airport handles more than 1000 flights a day and the number of international departures is increasing by 25 each day. 

Quick Facts About Kempegowda International Airport

• Recognised as the 29th Busiest airport in Asia
• The first biggest airport in India to be constructed under a “Public-Private Association”
• The first airport in the country to use a Humanoid robot named Kempa to help passengers in need. 
• It is the busiest and the biggest airport in South India
• The airport has its own fuel farm that is spread over 11 acres. 

IATA Code: BLR

Year Of Establishment: 2008

Hub For: AirAsia India, Alliance Air, Go First, Star Air, Indigo Airlines, DHL Aviation, FedEx Express

Services & Facilities: Duty-Free Store, Food and Beverages, Baggage Wrapping, Lost & Found Services, Medical Services, Forex & ATMs, The Quad, Art & Culture, Taj Bangalore, Transit Hotel, Self-Baggage Drop, Relax Lounge

Passengers Statistics: Around 16 million (2021-2022)

5. Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad 

Takes care of more than 5500 flights a day, the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport is the largest airport in India. In terms of international passenger traffic, it is the 4th busiest airport in the country as it handled around 12.4 million passengers in 2021. Moreover, as per the Global Airport Ranking, Hyderabad Airport ranks No. 8 in terms of passenger experience worldwide. That is why it is considered the safest and the best largest International airport in India. 

Since 2008, the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport has taken its game to the next level with its infrastructure and facilities. More than that, the airport is giving passengers comfort and convenience that is not seen anywhere else easily. And undoubtedly, Hyderabad Airport has been voted India’s favourite airport as well a lot of times. 

Quick Facts About Rajiv Gandhi International Airport

• Besides being the largest airport in India, GHIAL joins the list of safest airports in the world 
• Won the National Tourism Award 4 times in a row
• Has 83 parking b bays in total
• The construction of the airport cost around 24,780 million
• The first airport in India to receive the “Sword of Honour” title

IATA Code: HYD

Year Of Establishment: 2008

Hub For: Alliance Air, TruJet, Blue Dart Aviation

Services & Facilities: Free Wifi, Check-In Counters, Premium Lounge Services, Lost and Found Services, Sanitary Pad Vending Machine, Medical Assistance, Baby Care Rooms, Smoking Zone, Wheel Chairs, Prayer Rooms, Baggage Transfer

Passengers Statistics: Around 12.4 million (2021-2022)

6. Cochin International Airport, Kochi

A major contributor to the economy of Kerala, the Cochin International Airport is the first airport in India to be fully powered by solar energy. Scaling up since 1999, the Cochin Airport now serves as a focus city for Air India, SpiceJet and Indigo Airlines. Today, it is one of the major airports in India that is built under a public-private partnership (PPP) model. 

The airport has around 3 main terminals including 2 domestic and 1 international. It also has a cargo terminal with a huge floor space of 120,000 sq ft. Moreover, being located about 30 km from the Kochi City Centre, this big international airport in India is well-connected to the rest of the areas. 

Quick Facts About Cochin International Airport

• First greenfield airport in India
• Awarded the Best Airport In Asia-Pacific title in 2020
• Provides 1.62 lakh units of power every day to the airport 
• First biggest airport in the country to provide a pollution-free environment
• 3rd busiest airport in India when comes to international passenger traffic

IATA Code: COK

Year Of Establishment: 1999

Hub For: Air India Express

Services & Facilities: Free Wifi, First-Aid Room, Guest Rooms, Reserved Lounges, VIP Room, Forex & ATMs, Restaurants and Snack Bars, Duty-Free Store, Baby Care Room, Gift Shops, Postal Facilities, Prepaid Taxi Car Services, Postal Facility

Passengers Statistics: Around 4.7 million (2021-2022)

7. Trivandrum International Airport, Thiruvananthapuram

Another biggest airport in India, Trivandrum International Airport is one of the best airports in India that have been proven a great asset to the country. It was opened in 1932 and was upgraded to international status on January 1, 1991. The airport has excellent connectivity with all major cities in India as well as with many international destinations. Taxis and auto-rickshaws are readily available outside the airport to take passengers to their desired destination.

Thiruvananthapuram International Airport is managed by the Airports Authority of India and is a public-private partnership between the AAI and the GVK Group. The airport has made progress not just in the field of flight operations but has also scaled up in terms of infrastructure, passenger traffic, and other range of facilities. 

Quick Facts About Trivandrum International Airport

• TRV is the 1st airport in Kerala
• Air India, Indigo Airlines and SpiceJet are its focus cities
• TRV’s domestic terminal was inaugurated by Erambala Krishnan Nayanar in 1992. 
• The first international departure from the TRV was to Dubai
• The airport has around 18 major flight operators

IATA Code: TRV

Year Of Establishment: 1991

Hub For: Air India Express

Services & Facilities: Spa and Lounges, Passenger Guide, ATMs, Forex, Smoking Lounges, VIP Lounges, Baggage Wrap Services, Wifi Service, Lost & Found, Baby Care, Tourist Centre, Passengers With Reduced Mobility, Porter Service

Passengers Statistics: Around 1.6 million (2021-2022)

8. Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata

Formerly known as Dum Dum Airport, the Kolkata airport name was named after Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, a prominent leader of the Indian independence movement. It is the primary hub for air traffic in eastern India and also serves as a secondary hub for air traffic in southern India. The airport has 2 passenger terminals where the terminal 2 is spread over 2,510,000 sq ft and has the capacity to handle around 25 million passengers. 

The airport is currently undergoing a major expansion project which includes the construction of a new terminal (Terminal 3), a new runway, and other associated infrastructure. This being one of the top 10 airports in India is situated near the city centre and has good connectivity to the city via road and rail.

Quick Facts About Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport

• The airport is amongst the major airports in India and handles around 310 flights a day
• A 20-year master plan contract is done between Landrum & Brown and AAI for the development of the airport
• The first international airport serving the West-Bengal area
• The airport has 5000 total parking spaces combining both the parking lots. 
• A CPC was opened at the Kolkata airport in 2008

IATA Code: CCU

Year Of Establishment: 1924

Hub For: Air Asia India, Alliance Air, Go First, Indigo Airlines, SpiceJet

Services & Facilities: Duty-Free Shopping, Retail, Food & Beverages, Child Care, Ticket Counter, ATMs, Forex, Self-Check In Counters, Retiring Room, Baggage Reclaim, Retiring Room

Passengers Statistics: Around 10 million (2021-2022)

9.  Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad

Another one of the major airports in India, Sardar Vallabhai Patel International Airport is named after the First Deputy Prime Minister of India. The airport has been recognised as the “most improved airport” in the Asia-Pacific region in 2017. In terms of passenger traffic, it is the 7th busiest and biggest airport in India. It also serves as a focus city for Indigo Airlines and GoAir. Today, it is the primary international airport for the city of Ahmedabad and the surrounding state of Gujarat. 

The airport consists of 3 terminals where 2 are for domestic flights and the 3rd one is for international flights. It also has a cargo terminal that can handle around 51,637 tonnes of cargo, making it one of the biggest airport in India with a huge cargo capacity. 

Quick Facts About Sardar Vallabhai Patel International Airport

• The structure of the new terminal is inspired by Singapore’s Changi Airport
• The airport has 45 parking bays with 4 aero-brides 
• The airport was converted to an international airport in 2000
• The Ahmedabad airport handles over 160 flights in a day
• Awarded with the “Voice Of The Customer” title by ACI in 2022

IATA Code: AMD  

Year Of Establishment: 1937

Hub For: TruJet

Services & Facilities: Pranaam Meet and Greet Services, Duty-free stores, Fine Dining, Smoking Lounges, Baby Care, Baggage Wrap, Lost & Found, Passenger Guide, Gift Shopping options

Passengers Statistics: Around 5.6 million (2021-2022)

10. Calicut International Airport, Calicut

Not the biggest airport in India but definitely one of the top 10 airports in India, Calicut International Airport serves the cities of Kozhikode and Malappuram in Kerala, India. The airport is owned by the Airports Authority of India under the public model and was inaugurated in 1988, and was also known as the 12th international airport of India. Besides not being the largest airport in India, the Calicut International Airport still managed to handle around half a million passengers in 2014.

The Calicut International Airport is the third busiest airport in Kerala and is well-connected with the rest of the cities. The airport has a single runway and is now planning to expand the runway to 3,000 m in order to be able to handle wide-body aircraft such as the Boeing 747 and Airbus A340.

• The airport was connected to international in 2006
• The Calicut International Airport was authorised by the freedom fighter K.P. Kesava Menon
• The funds for the construction of the airport were collected from the Gulf Malayalis
• The flight arrivals to Calicut Airport are currently less as compared to other airports in Kerala
• Expoair and Qatar Airways ply cargo services at the Calicut International Airport

IATA Code: CCJ

Year Of Establishment: 1988

Hub For: Air India Express

Services & Facilities: Business & VIP Facilities, Currency Exchange, First Aid Facilities, Mobile Charging Points, Wifi, ATMs, Embassy Queries, Child Care Facilities

Passengers Statistics: Around 1.6 million (2021-2022)

11. Jaipur International Airport, Jaipur

The 11th busiest airport in India, the Jaipur International Airport is definitely one of the major airports in India that serve Jaipur City. It is located in Sanganer which is just 13km away from the city centre. The JAI Airport was also once recognised as the best airport in the world under the category of up to 5 million passengers per year. The airport also serves as the focus city for Air India, AirAsia India and Go First Airlines. 

The Jaipur International Airport consists of a single runway with a length of 11,178 ft and two terminals. However, the authorities are in plan to expand the terminals to 20 metres on each side. Moreover, the Jai Airport’s apron can lodge around 14 aircrafts all together. 

Quick Facts About Jaipur International Airport

• Adani Airport Holdings takes care of the JAI Airport operations
• The new terminal can handle upto 1000 passengers
• The interior of terminal 1 is approved to have an essence of Rajasthani culture. 
• The former name of the airport was Sanganer International Airport
• Adani Airport Holdings will take charge of the JAI Airport for 50 years. 

IATA Code: JAI

Year Of Establishment: 2005

Hub For: Air India, Air Asia India, GoAir

Services & Facilities: VIP Lounges, Smoking Area, Fine Dining and Snack Area, Currency Exchange & ATMs, Lost and Found, Duty-free Shopping Facilities, Pranam Meet and Greet Services

Passengers Statistics: Around 2.9 million (2021-2022)

12. Dabolim Airport, Vasco Da Gama

Built in 1955 by the Government of Portuguese State Of India, Dabolim International Airport is another busiest airport in India that serves the state Goa. The airport is owned by the Government of Goa & Indian Navy and operated by the Airports Authority Of India. The airport generates revenue for the Indian Navy with its Air Traffic Control process. 

The Dabolim Airport might not be the largest airport in India but around 5000 tonnes of cargo is handled by it every year. The architecture of the airport is designed by the Indian-based architecture firm, Creative Group and its terminal also has around 75 check-in counters. However, recently the expansion planned was announced by the Indian Civil Aviation Ministry.

Quick Facts About Dabolim Airport 

• The GOI Airport was bombarded by the Indian Air Force during the Annexation Of Goa 
• The expansion project of the Goa Airport plans it to bring under the list of largest airport in India 
• The passenger traffic of the Dabolim airport rose since 2005
• The airport allows several charter airlines to arrive and depart
• Taking photos of the airport is not allowed due to security issues

IATA Code: GOI

Year Of Establishment: 1955

Hub For: Air Asia India

Services & Facilities: Currency Exchange, Medical Services, Free Wifi, Baggage Trolley, Mobile Charging Areas, Rest Room, Lost & Found, Food & Beverages, Spa, Porterage Service, Lounge Services, Shops for Retail Therapy

Passengers Statistics: Around 5.1 million (2021-2022)

13. Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport, Lucknow

Another big international airport in India, Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport, is serving the capital of Uttar Pradesh. It is located in the Amausi locality and is named after Chaudhary Charan Singh, the fifth Prime Minister of India who belonged to Uttar Pradesh. The airport is located at a distance of about 15 km from the city centre. It is well connected to the city by road and rail.

The airport is in news to build a Terminal 3 which will be equipped with advanced and modern facilities including baggage carousels, security checkpoints, immigration counters, boarding gates and x-ray machines. Recently in January 2021, the airport was authorised in the ACI’S Airport Health Accreditation Programme that will ensure the safety of the passengers arriving and departing. 

Quick Facts About Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport 

• The airport was earlier named as Amausi International Airport
• Due to the 2020 pandemic, a decline of 55.1% and 40.4% was seen in passenger traffic and aircraft movement respectively
• The construction budget of T3 was set to 13.83 billion by the authorities
• Awarded as the “AAIs Best Airport” in 2013
• Recognised as the “Best Airport By Size & Region” by ACI in 2018

IATA Code: LKO

Year Of Establishment: 1986

Hub For: Indigo Airlines, Air India, Alliance Air, Vistara, Saudia, Go First, 

Services & Facilities: Fine Dining and Snack Corners, Cab Services, Lost and Found, Prayer Room, Baby Care, Meet and Greet Services, Baggage Wrap, Free Wifi, Mobile Charging Point, Currency Exchange, ATMs

Passengers Statistics: Around 3.3 million (2021-2022)

14. Coimbatore International Airport, Coimbatore

Serving the Coimbatore Metropolitan Area, the Coimbatore International Airport is owned by the Ministry of Civil Aviation. Recognised amongst the busiest airports in India, having the direct connectivity to domestic and international destinations. The Prime Minister Of India declared the requirement to upgrade the Coimbatore airport in which all aspects will be covered from infrastructure to operations. 

The airport features a single runway oriented east-west that is 2,970 metres in length. The terminal building comprises two passenger halls: one for domestic and one for international operations; both are equipped with aerobridges. The old terminal building has been converted into a cargo terminal. With all the upgraded facilities, the Coimbatore International Airport is considered one of the major airports in India. 

Quick Facts About Coimbatore International Airport

• The new expansion budget of the airport costs around 780 million. 
• Accredited as the 15th busiest airport in terms of cargo handling
• The passenger traffic has almost doubled since 2010
• The airport got the international status in 2012
• Recognised as the 2nd busiest airport in Tamil Nadu

IATA Code: CJB

Year Of Establishment: 1940

Hub For: N/A

Services & Facilities: Self Check-In Kiosk, Free Wifi, Assistance to Physically Challenged, Wheelchair Services, Child Care Room, First-Aid Centre, Telephone Services, Free Magazines/Newspapers, Smoking Zone, Trolley Services

Passengers Statistics: Around 1.2 million (2021-2022)

15. Pune Airport, Pune

Owned by the Indian Air Force, Pune Airport is also amongst the major airports in India. Operated by the Airports Authority Of India, the airport serves as a hub for Indigo Airlines. Long time ago, the airport was just an airfield and in 2005, it was licensed as a custom airport to cater the travel needs of the people. Today, it has a long runway of 2,540 metres and there also happened to be news about the expansion of the airport. 

Pune Airport handled over 5 million passengers in the financial year 2017-18. The airport has direct flights to major Indian cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad and Bangalore whereas international destinations include Dubai, Muscat, Sharjah, Kuwait and Abu Dhabi. The airport also has a dedicated cargo terminal which can handle up to 150,000 tons of cargo per year.

Quick Facts About Pune International Airport

• Awarded best for Hygiene Measures in Asia-Pacific in 2020
• The authorities launched a 100 crore plan in 2008 during the Commonwealth Youth Games
• Before the establishment of Pune Airport, there was an airfield to provide air security to Mumbai
• The airport expansion plan is expected to get completed by 2023
• The Pune Airport houses an Instrument Landing System (ILS) for clear information on takeoffs and landings

IATA Code: PNQ

Year Of Establishment: 

Hub For: Indigo Airlines

Services & Facilities: Free Wifi, Cash Withdrawal Services, Baby Day Care, First-Aid Facilities, Separate Smoking Lounges, Luggage Storage, Lost & Found Centre, Currency Exchange, Shops and Restaurants, Post Office, Spa Services, Luggage Wrapping and much more. 

Passengers Statistics: Around 3.7 million (2021-2022)

Are you intrigued after checking some facts about the best airports in India? From the biggest airport in India to the smallest airport in India, each of them is committed to helping its customers in the best way possible. So, make your travel experience better by check-in to the largest airport in India and meanwhile, make your flights cheaper with Travanya. We are a leading travel agency that is certified and licensed by IATA. Our travel experts are available round-the-clock to help customers with a cheaper flight solution.  All you need to do is pick up your phone and dial +91-800-023-5865. We are just a call away!

About Pawanpreet View All Posts

Pawanpreet is a versatile content writer and editor who enjoys experimenting with various niches of writing. Her keen eye for detail and love for thorough research helps her create high-quality content to outweigh clickbait. She extensively works for digital marketing and manages clients that range from travel to luxury goods. Her creativity is fueled by her love for learning new things, travelling, and the environment. Also, she is a free soul and an avid animal lover who believes in doing everything with a smile :)

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