Biggest Airport in India By Area, Know the Names of Top-10 Largest Airports

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.

India’s Largest Airport By Area 2024

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.

Key Facts Related to Biggest Airport of India

Here are some of the key points related to biggest airport of India, Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad:

• Location: Shamshabad, Hyderabad, Telangana, India, 24 km south of Hyderabad.
• Opened: March 23, 2008.
• Size: Largest airport in India by area, 5,500 acres (2,200 ha).
• Ownership: Operated by GMR Hyderabad International Airport Limited (GHIAL).
• Firsts: First in India to introduce domestic e-boarding (December 2015) and international boarding (October 2020).
• Passenger Traffic: Fourth busiest in India; handled over 25 million passengers from April 2023 to March 2024.
• Cargo: Managed around 150,000 tonnes of cargo annually.
• Facilities: Includes integrated passenger and cargo terminals, two runways, aviation training facilities, a fuel farm, solar power plant, and MRO facilities.
• Hub: Serves as a hub for Alliance Air, Amazon Air, Blue Dart Aviation, SpiceJet, and IndiGo; focus city for Air India.

Top-10 Largest Airports in India

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

Largest Airport of India By Area – Rajiv Gandhi International Airport

• Location: Hyderabad
• Area: 5,500 acres
• Opened: 2008
• Ownership: GHIAL

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.

India’s Second Biggest Airport – Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi

 

• Location: Delhi
• Opened: 1962
• Operator: Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL)

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.

Third Largest Airport in India – Kempegowda International Airport, Bangalore

 

• Location: Bangalore
• Opened: 2008
• Operator: Bengaluru International Airport Limited (BIAL)

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.