Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) has once again secured its place among the world’s most connected megahubs, according to the OAG Megahubs 2024 report, released by UK-based air consultancy firm OAG. The airport has risen one spot from 25th to 24th, cementing its role as a key player in international air travel. Meanwhile, Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport experienced a drop, moving from 34th to 44th in the global rankings.
The OAG report highlights the growing significance of Indian airports in the global network, with both Delhi and Mumbai faring especially well in the low-cost megahubs category. Delhi Airport climbed from 6th to 5th place, while Mumbai retained its 11th rank among the world’s top low-cost carrier (LCC) hubs. Delhi and Mumbai’s strong performance is directly tied to the expansion of IndiGo, India’s largest airline, which now ranks among the world’s biggest airlines. These two airports serve as IndiGo’s key hubs, contributing to their high global connectivity rankings. As Tata Group airlines, led by Air India, continue to expand, India’s aviation industry is set to witness exponential growth.
In fact, Indian carriers have placed significant orders for new aircraft, with more than 1,110 planes worth $140 billion set to be delivered in the coming years. IndiGo, for example, plans to induct an aircraft every week for the next decade. India’s aviation sector is in the midst of a major transformation, with the country’s two major hubs—Delhi and Mumbai—leading the charge. The strength of these hubs depends on their ability to accommodate the growing needs of home carriers, and both airports are poised to play a pivotal role in the global aviation landscape.
The government is keen on making India a global aviation hub, starting with Delhi Airport. One of the major infrastructural plans includes the long-awaited air train to facilitate seamless connectivity between the airport’s terminals. While this project has been under consideration for years, industry insiders are hopeful that it will be operational by the end of the decade, further enhancing Delhi’s status as a global megahub. Meanwhile, Bengaluru and Hyderabad airports are expected to join Delhi and Mumbai in the rankings of the world’s most connected hubs, thanks to the continued growth of Indian airlines. These emerging hubs will likely play a critical role in the future of air travel in India.
As one airline official explained, the success of a hub is often dependent on the strength of its home carrier. This symbiotic relationship allows both the airport and the airline to flourish, and with IndiGo and Tata Group airlines expanding rapidly, Delhi and Mumbai are well-positioned to maintain their competitive edge. However, the challenge lies in ensuring smooth last-mile connectivity, particularly between terminals and surrounding infrastructure, such as the Western Express Highway in Mumbai or the air train in Delhi.
