Discover Top 9 International Airports in India: A Guide to The Budha Land

India, a nation renowned for its vibrant tourist industry and cultural diversity, is home to several top-notch international airports. One of these airports is constantly rated as the finest in India and the world for its outstanding infrastructure, services, and traveler experience. Traveling by airplane in India is an exciting journey in and of itself before arriving at your destination. Airports in India are a delightful port of entrance or exit from a city, with numerous shopping opportunities, wonderful cuisine, and relaxing spa outlets. While air travel in India is rapidly increasing, with more and more inexpensive airlines debuting daily, every major city is now building stunning new airports for its citizens to meet expanding air travel demand. In this guide, we’ll dive deep into the best international airport in India, covering its facilities, accolades, and why it stands out in the world of aviation.

Discover the best international airport in India for visitors in the world

How Many International Airports Are in India?

There are now 34 international airports in India, which connect the nation to several locations worldwide. This rising figure illustrates how significant India is becoming as a center for international trade and tourism. To guarantee accessibility for passengers from all areas, these airports are positioned thoughtfully around the country.

Overview of the List of Airports in India for Visitors

1. Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi

New Delhi International Airport is the busiest airport in India 

The Indira Gandhi International Airport, which serves more than 60 million passengers annually, is the busiest airport in India and is situated in New Delhi, the nation's capital. The IGI Airport, which was constructed with travel utility in mind and skillfully captures India's history and culture, is a breathtaking sight for tourists. After the new T3 terminal opened in 2010, the airport's domestic and international terminals were combined. With a capacity of 12.5 million people annually, the IGI Airport is also the sixth largest airport globally. The prestigious Airports Council International has recognized Delhi's airport as the best airport in India for several years, along with Mumbai's international airport. The Delhi airport is particularly well-liked for its numerous international brand stores and dining options. This is amongst the largest airports in India

2. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai

Mumbai Airport is also one of the best international airports in India

With more than 48 million passengers a year, Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport is the second busiest airport in India. Along with IGI Airport in Delhi, it was awarded the "Best Airport in India" and has garnered several accolades for its flawless service, punctual air travel, and breathtaking design. The airport features the first luxury lounge in India, the GVK Lounge, as well as its spa. Another well-known feature of the T2 terminal is its display of one of the biggest art collections in the world. More than 7,000 artifacts made by more than 1,500 artisans from India are on show at the airport's 3-kilometer art wall.

3. Kempegowda International Airport, Bangalore

Bangalore is one of the best international airports in India for visitors transiting

The Kempegowda International Airport is surrounded by expansive lawns and lovely floral gardens, much like the rest of Bangalore. One of the best international airports in India, Bangalore International Airport serves more than 22 million people annually and is well-equipped to meet demand. Bangalore is a hub for start-ups and information technology, hence the airport serves a youthful, energetic clientele. Additionally, there are several local cafés and restaurants near the airport, giving visitors a taste of the city right there. While enjoying this lovely airport, travelers should keep an eye on their flight because it has a VIP lounge, lots of shopping, chic bars, and spas to treat them!

4. Chennai Anna International Airport, Chennai

Anna International Airport in Chennai is the third busiest airport in India, with around 18 million people each year. The Chennai Airport serves as a major transportation hub for South Indian travelers. The airport also serves international travelers from India to various Asian nations, including Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Thailand, and Indonesia. The airport is still expanding by adding additional businesses and food options, as well as aggressively attempting to include modern amenities to improve the passenger experience. Chennai Airport, the regional headquarters of the Airports Authority of India in South India, is a leading airport on the list of airports in India. It is considered to be one of the best airports in South India.

5. Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkatta

Kolkatta Airport is a great airport for visitors when transiting many countries

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport is India's fifth busiest airport, with about 20 million passengers yearly. It is also a popular stopover destination for people traveling to North East India, China, Hong Kong, Bhutan, Nepal, and Bangladesh. The airport underwent renovations in 2014-2015 to improve traveler experience and functionality. The Airports Council International deemed it the most improved airport in India and the Asia-Pacific region. This airport is one of the most popular airports in India and is well-connected to other parts of the world.

6. Cochin International Airport, Kochi

The biggest international airport in Kerala and the first in the world to run exclusively on solar power is Cochin International Airport. The Cochin International Airport is still making significant environmental efforts to lessen the carbon impact of air travel, even though this is an amazing accomplishment in and of itself. The Kochi airport serves several international destinations in the Middle East and manages more than 10 million passengers annually. It is without a doubt among India's top non-metropolitan airports.

7. Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad

Hyderabad is the biggest airport in India with many entertainment services 

The sixth-busiest international airport in South India is Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, often known as Hyderabad Airport. Its excellent service and punctual arrivals and departures have earned it several accolades over the years. To meet the increasing demand, the airport is constantly growing by adding runways and terminals. In addition, the RGI Airport has several amenities, including a spa, places for prayer and meditation, and buggies for the elderly and disabled. Given that Hyderabad is Telangana's business hub, the airport features a lovely Business Lounge with complimentary wi-fi and spa services to relieve stress. In addition to its many restaurants offering both local and international cuisines, the RGI Airport is well-known as the biggest international airport in India which serves millions of passengers every year. 

8. Manohar International Airport, Goa

Manohar International Air is located in Pernem Taluka, Goa, and covers 2132 acres. The airport was finished and opened in 2023 for $380 million. Currently, MIA can accommodate about 4.4 million passengers per year, with phases of growth and development planned to reach a capacity of 13.1 million by 2025.

In 2024, the Airport Authority of India (AAI) launched Digiyatra, a biometric-enabled seamless travel experience that simplifies security inspections and boarding with face recognition and a fully digital setup on kiosks.

9. Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport, Nagpur

Situated in Sonegaon, southwest Nagpur, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport is another well-known Maharashtra airport. The airport bears the name of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian constitution.

With its state-of-the-art infrastructure and amenities, the airport, which occupies 1355 acres, serves about 8500 passengers every day. Additionally, the airport is part of the MIHAN project, which raises the likelihood that it will emerge as central India's primary international hub for passengers and freight.

Conclusion

India's international airports serve an important role in linking the country with the rest of the globe. The list of the greatest international airports in India, with unrivaled services, cutting-edge facilities and a dedication to sustainability will be a choice for visitors. With 34 international airports, the country's increasing aviation sector guarantees that tourists have access to world-class facilities all around the nation.

Whether you're in India for business or tourism, the country's iconic airports, including India's tallest airport, provide a smooth travel experience. India's aviation environment, from the largest airports like IGIA to green pioneers like Cochin International Airport, demonstrates the country's growth and worldwide relevance.

Prepare for an India e-visa before planning your next trip. Choose India, and experience the excellence of its top international airports firsthand.