Delhi airport beats Los Angeles, Paris, and New York to become one of the world's top 10 busiest airports

Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) has climbed to the 9th spot on the list of the world’s busiest airports in 2024, according to the latest report by Airports Council International (ACI). This is a jump from its 10th position in 2023. With close to 7.8 crore passengers, Delhi airport outperformed major hubs like Los Angeles, Paris, and New York in terms of footfall.

The ACI report noted that global passenger traffic reached 9.4 billion in 2024, which is 8.4% higher than in 2023, and 2.7% above pre-pandemic levels from 2019. The top 20 busiest airports alone handled more than 1.5 billion passengers, making up 16% of worldwide traffic. Atlanta Airport in the US was ranked the busiest in the world, followed by Dubai and Dallas/Fort Worth.

Delhi airport’s rise in ranking is credited to major infrastructure developments and better passenger facilities. Operated by Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), the airport has improved transfer processes and added biometric kiosks for e-visa holders. The recent Phase 3A expansion doubled the space for international-to-international transfers, making the airport more efficient and traveller-friendly.

Delhi airport now offers direct flights to 153 destinations, including 81 within India and 72 international cities. This strong connectivity is a key factor behind the increase in passenger numbers. Several major airlines have also expanded operations to and from Delhi to meet the growing demand.

India’s aviation sector continues to grow rapidly, and IGIA’s position among the top 10 busiest airports in the world is a clear sign of that. The combination of better infrastructure, efficient services, and rising global travel demand is putting Indian airports on the world map. With continued investments, Delhi airport is expected to remain a leading global hub in the years to come.