Indira Gandhi International Airport has ascended to the ninth spot among the world’s busiest airports in 2024, registering over 77 million passengers through its terminals last year. This remarkable climb, up from 10th place in 2023, not only signals the robust recovery of global air travel but also marks Delhi’s steady rise as a critical international aviation hub.
According to new data from Airports Council International (ACI), global air traffic volumes surged to 9.4 billion passengers in 2024, overtaking both the figures from 2023 and the pre-COVID-19 peak of 2019. In this resurgent landscape, Delhi’s performance is especially significant for a developing economy, where rapid urbanisation and expanding middle-class aspirations continue to reshape mobility patterns. What sets Delhi apart in the rankings is not just its scale of operations, but its growing efficiency and resilience. In addition to its passenger volumes, the airport now ranks 15th globally in aircraft movements—a measure of the frequency and flow of flights. This growth highlights the airport’s pivotal role in connecting India to key domestic and global routes.
While U.S. airports continue to dominate the ACI list—Atlanta retained the top spot, followed by Dubai and Dallas/Fort Worth—Delhi’s rise reflects broader shifts in global aviation demand towards Asia. The inclusion of Shanghai Pudong in the top 10 alongside Delhi reinforces the trend of air traffic gravitating toward the East, where economic growth and digitalisation are fuelling travel demand. Delhi airport’s expansion is also aligned with India’s long-term aviation vision. With a strong policy push for green infrastructure, sustainable terminals, and multimodal connectivity, the airport’s evolution fits into the larger narrative of climate-aware urban growth. Initiatives like airport electrification, rainwater harvesting, and carbon accreditation from international agencies strengthen its position as a model for eco-resilient infrastructure.
The aviation boom is further expected to benefit Delhi’s economy. With increasing air connectivity, businesses enjoy shorter transit times, enhanced cargo logistics, and broader access to global markets—all crucial for a city positioning itself as a regional economic powerhouse. Still, with growth comes responsibility. As passenger footfall increases, the onus is on airport operators and the government to ensure equitable access, gender-neutral infrastructure, and carbon-conscious expansion. Smart technology, sustainable design, and inclusive policies must remain central to the airport’s blueprint.
Delhi’s ranking in 2024 serves as a milestone, not just in aviation metrics, but in the story of an Indian city rising to global relevance through strategic infrastructure, mobility reform, and an unwavering commitment to sustainable progress.
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