MAJOR AIRPORTS OF INDIA — LOCATION, CONNECTIVITY AND SIGNIFICANCE

PRERNA FOR IAS

         Mehnat Aapki, Guidance Humari

         Roz ki Prelims Practice — Experts ke Saath

MAJOR AIRPORTS OF INDIA — LOCATION, CONNECTIVITY AND SIGNIFICANCE

1. Importance of Airports in India

• Airports are vital components of India’s transport infrastructure and support passenger movement, tourism, trade, investment, emergency services and regional connectivity.
• India’s civil aviation network has expanded rapidly; Government sources reported around 164–165 operational airports in 2026, compared with 74 in 2014. (Ministry of Civil Aviation)
• Indian airports collectively handled about 420 million passengers in 2025, reflecting the growing importance of aviation in the economy. (Ministry of Civil Aviation)

2. Indira Gandhi International Airport — Delhi

• Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) is India’s principal international aviation hub and carries the IATA code DEL.
• It serves Delhi-NCR and acts as a major gateway connecting India with Asia, Europe, North America and the Middle East.
• It handled about 7.8 crore passengers in 2025, maintaining its position as India’s busiest airport by passenger traffic. (AAI Aero)
• Its multiple terminals and runways make it important for both domestic and international connectivity.

3. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport — Mumbai

• Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, code BOM, is one of India’s busiest aviation hubs.
• It serves India’s major financial and commercial centre and handles substantial passenger and cargo traffic.
• The airport is operated through a public-private partnership framework. (AIM India)

4. Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport — Kolkata

• Kolkata’s airport, code CCU, is the principal aviation gateway to eastern and north-eastern India.
• It handles both domestic and international passenger and cargo services.
• AAI records place the airport approximately 17 km from central Kolkata. (AAI Aero)

5. Kempegowda International Airport — Bengaluru

• Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) serves Bengaluru, India’s leading technology and innovation centre.
• It has emerged as a major hub for domestic travel, international connectivity and high-value air cargo.
• Its importance reflects Bengaluru’s growth in IT, biotechnology, electronics and global business services.