Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) in Delhi has become the 9th busiest airport in the world in 2024, according to Airports Council International (ACI). This marks an improvement from its 10th rank in 2023. With nearly 7.8 crore passengers, Delhi airport surpassed major international hubs like Los Angeles, Paris, and New York in total footfall.
Global Air Travel Sees Strong Recovery
The ACI report highlighted a sharp rise in worldwide air travel, with total passenger traffic reaching 9.4 billion in 2024. This figure is 8.4% higher than in 2023 and 2.7% more than pre-COVID levels in 2019. The top 20 airports alone handled over 1.5 billion passengers, or 16% of global traffic. The busiest airports in the world were Atlanta, Dubai, and Dallas/Fort Worth.
Delhi Airport Grows Through Upgrades
Delhi airport’s improved ranking is due to major upgrades and better services. Operated by Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), the airport has made passenger movement smoother with new biometric kiosks for e-visa holders and better transfer systems. The recently completed Phase 3A expansion has doubled the area for international-to-international transfers.
Wide Connectivity Supports Passenger Growth
Delhi airport now offers direct flights to 153 cities, including 81 domestic and 72 international destinations. This broad connectivity has played a major role in boosting passenger numbers. Many global airlines have expanded their services in and out of Delhi to meet increasing demand.India Rises in Global Aviation
India’s aviation sector is growing rapidly, and Delhi’s presence among the world’s top airports shows this shift. Better infrastructure, efficient services, and rising travel demand are helping India gain global recognition. With more investments expected, Delhi airport is likely to stay a major global hub in the future.
