New Delhi ∙ Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) in Delhi has made a remarkable leap in global aviation rankings, climbing to 9th place among the world’s busiest airports, as per the latest 2024 Airports Council International (ACI) report. This marks a significant improvement from its 10th position in 2023 and places IGIA ahead of global hubs such as Los Angeles, Paris, and New York.
Infrastructure and Innovation Drive Growth
Delhi Airport’s meteoric rise is credited to major infrastructure upgrades, strategic expansions, and passenger-focused tech innovations, which have streamlined operations and enhanced the travel experience.
One of the key innovations is the rollout of biometric registration kiosks for foreign nationals holding e-visas. These self-service kiosks — the first of their kind in India — have slashed immigration processing times by over 50%, reducing congestion and enabling smoother arrivals.
Phase 3A Expansion: Enhancing International Transfers
The Phase 3A expansion at Terminal 3 has nearly doubled the International-to-International (I-to-I) transfer space to 3,000 square meters. Enhancements include:
- 7 food and retail outlets (up from 1)
- 10 check-in counters (up from 6)
- 15 frisking booths (up from 11)
- 8 X-ray machines (up from 4)
This upgrade, combined with improved baggage systems and direct Metro connectivity, has significantly improved Delhi’s efficiency as a South Asian transit hub.
Global Connectivity: 153 Destinations
IGIA’s reach now extends to 153 cities — 81 domestic and 72 international — making it one of the world’s most connected airports. New routes include Phnom Penh, Bali, Calgary, Vancouver, Chicago O’Hare, and Tokyo Haneda, attracting both business and leisure travelers.
Surge in Passenger Traffic
In FY2024, Delhi Airport handled a record 73.7 million passengers, thanks to expanded operations by both Indian and global carriers. 60 foreign and 6 Indian airlines now operate from IGIA, with growing use of wide-body aircraft and increased international frequencies.
Strategic Vision and Global Impact
With a 7.8% year-on-year increase in traffic and 13.6% growth compared to pre-pandemic levels, Delhi has outperformed traditional aviation giants. Nearly half of all long-haul travelers from India now transit through IGIA.
Delhi Airport’s rise is seen as a blueprint for how visionary infrastructure, technology-driven services, and seamless connectivity can transform an airport into a global aviation leader.
