As the Indian aviation industry continues to soar to new heights, the demand for modern and efficient air travel infrastructure has never been more critical. In 2024, India boasts the largest airport in the country, a testament to its commitment to providing world-class facilities for both domestic and international travelers. Let’s take a closer look at this aviation hub that stands as a symbol of progress and connectivity.
Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, located in Shamshabad, Hyderabad, is the largest airport in India by area, spanning 5,500 acres (2,200 hectares). Opened on March 23, 2008, it replaced Begumpet Airport and is named after former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. Operated by GMR Hyderabad International Airport Limited (GHIAL), it introduced domestic e-boarding in 2015 and international e-boarding in 2020. The airport is the fourth busiest in India by passenger traffic, handling over 25 million passengers and around 150,000 tonnes of cargo annually.
Here are some of the key points related to biggest airport of India, Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad:
As of August 2024, Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, located in Hyderabad, stands as the largest airport of India by area, with an area of 5,500 acres, followed by Indira Gandhi International Airport, and Kempegowda International Airport.
Here is the list of top-10 largest airports in India:
| Largest Airports of India | |||
| S. No. | Airports | Location | Opened |
| 1. | Rajiv Gandhi International Airport | Hyderabad | 5,500 acres |
| 2. | Indira Gandhi International Airport | New Delhi | 5,100 acres |
| 3. | Kempegowda International Airport | Bangalore | 4,000 acres |
| 4. | Manohar International Airport | Goa | 2,132 acres |
| 5. | Dabolim Airport | Panaji, Goa | 1,700 acres |
| 6. | Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport | Kolkata | 1,640 acres |
| 7. | Birsa Munda Airport | Ranchi | 1,568 acres |
| 8. | Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport | Mumbai | 1,500 acres |
| 9. | Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport | Nagpur | 1,355 acres |
| 10. | Cochin International Airport | Kochin | 1,124 acres |
Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, located in Shamshabad, Hyderabad, is India’s largest airport by area, covering 5,500 acres (2,200 hectares). It opened on March 23, 2008, replacing Begumpet Airport and named after Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. Managed by GMR Hyderabad International Airport Limited (GHIAL), it launched domestic e-boarding in 2015 and international e-boarding in 2020. It is the fourth busiest airport in India, serving over 25 million passengers and handling 150,000 tonnes of cargo annually.
Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) stands as India’s second largest airport by area and most crucial airport, located in Delhi. With a runway length of 4430m, it is the nation’s longest airport and the world’s second busiest in seating capacity. Servicing over 65.3 million passengers in 2021, it offers top-notch facilities, including diverse shopping, dining options, and extensive passenger services. IGI is a key hub, hosting 59 airlines with connections to 97 destinations.
Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru, the third-largest airport in India, pays homage to the city’s founder, Kempe Gowda I. Located 40 kilometers north, it accommodates around 25 million passengers annually, excelling in cargo operations and handling approximately 1000 daily flights. Boasting diverse services like dining, duty-free shopping, and medical facilities, it registers a significant passenger traffic of 31.9 million.
As of August 2024, Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, located in Hyderabad, stands as the largest airport of India by area, with an area of 5,500 acres.
As seen in the data compiled from AAI, Delhi remains the busiest airport in India, in terms of overall passenger traffic movement, both domestic and international. Mumbai remains the second and Bengaluru is the third busiest airport.
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.
Airports Authority of India (AAI) manages a total of 137 Airports, which includes 103 Domestic Airports, 24 International Airports, and 10 Customs Airports.
Juhu Aerodrome, located in Mumbai, which is established in 1928 holds the title of the oldest airport in India.
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