Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) in Delhi has firmly established its position as a global aviation powerhouse, ascending to the 9th rank worldwide by handling an impressive 77.8 million passengers in the calendar year 2024.
This significant milestone, as reported by the Airports Council International (ACI), underscores India’s burgeoning influence in the global aviation landscape and the pivotal role Delhi Airport plays as the nation’s primary gateway to the world. The staggering figure of 77,820,834 passengers handled represents a robust 7.8% increase compared to the preceding year, signalling a strong and sustained recovery and growth trajectory for the airport in the post-pandemic era. This upward trajectory marks a notable improvement from IGIA’s 10th global ranking in 2023, demonstrating a consistent climb in its international standing. Delhi Airport’s sustained performance not only highlights its operational efficiency but also its crucial function in seamlessly connecting India’s vast and dynamic economy with the global community. The ACI report further illuminates the broader global aviation landscape, projecting that total passenger traffic will reach nearly 9.5 billion in 2024, representing a substantial 9% increase from 2023 and a 3.8% recovery beyond pre-pandemic levels witnessed in 2019. Notably, the top 10 busiest airports collectively managed a staggering 855 million passengers, accounting for 9% of the entire global passenger traffic.
Within this elite group, Delhi’s IGIA stands out as the sole Indian airport to secure a position in the top 10, a testament to the country’s expanding prominence and potential in the global aviation sector. This achievement is not merely a matter of numbers; it reflects the culmination of strategic infrastructure development and a commitment to enhancing the overall passenger experience. The GMR-led Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), the consortium managing IGIA, attributes this remarkable feat to significant infrastructure upgrades implemented over the past few years. These enhancements include substantial expansion of terminal capacity to accommodate the growing influx of travellers, crucial runway augmentations to improve operational efficiency and reduce congestion, and the proactive adoption of cutting-edge technologies such as sophisticated facial recognition systems and automated baggage handling systems. These technological advancements have not only streamlined airport operations but have also significantly enhanced the convenience and overall experience for passengers transiting through Delhi. Furthermore, IGIA has strategically expanded its global reach, now offering direct air connectivity to over 150 destinations across the globe. This extensive and ever-growing network represents the highest direct international connectivity offered by any airport in India, playing a pivotal role in attracting an increasing number of both international and domestic travellers seeking seamless and efficient travel options.
The airport’s commitment to excellence has also been recognised through prestigious accolades. Earlier this year, IGIA was honoured with the coveted Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Award for the Best Airport in the Asia-Pacific region for an unprecedented seventh consecutive year. This sustained recognition from ACI, a global authority in airport standards, underscores IGIA’s unwavering dedication to providing exceptional service quality and its continuous pursuit of improvement across all aspects of airport operations and passenger facilitation. As Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport continues its ascent in the global aviation hierarchy, its focus on sustainable practices and equitable access will be crucial in shaping its future trajectory. Integrating green technologies, promoting energy efficiency, and ensuring seamless and dignified access for all passengers, regardless of their background or abilities, will be paramount in aligning its growth with the principles of sustainable and equitable urban development. The airport’s continued success will not only bolster India’s global standing but also contribute to the creation of more connected, sustainable, and inclusive urban ecosystems.
Delhi Airport Climbs to Global Aviation Elite
