India’s aviation sector has witnessed remarkable growth in recent years, driven by rising demand for both domestic and international travel. To accommodate this expansion, the country has developed world-class airports that serve as vital gateways for passengers and cargo alike. Among the many indicators of an airport’s capacity, land area plays a critical role in determining its potential for operations, infrastructure, and future expansion.
Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad
The largest airport in India by area is Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, which is situated near Shamshabad, Hyderabad. The airport spans an astounding 5,500 acres and has a 4,260-meter runway, one of the longest in Asia. It has established Hyderabad as a major aviation hub in South India and serves over 26 million people a year.
Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi
In terms of both passenger traffic and acreage, Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport is the busiest airport in the nation. Covering 5,106 acres, the airport handles over 66 million passengers a year. It has multiple terminals and serves as a vital connection between Asia, Europe, and the Americas.
Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru
One of the nation’s most advanced airports, Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru, spans 4,008 acres and is located in Devanahalli. With about 38 million passengers a year, it is the third-largest by area. The airport is renowned for its smooth passenger experience and sustainability initiatives.
Manohar International Airport, Mopa (Goa)
The 2,132-acre Manohar International Airport in Mopa, Goa, is the state’s newest airport and has significantly improved connectivity and tourism. Despite being new, it already handles over 3.7 lakh passengers and serves as a replacement for the more well-known Dabolim Airport.
Goa International Airport, Dabolim (Panaji)
Goa International Airport, sometimes referred to as Dabolim Airport, is one of the few civilian outposts within an Indian Navy base. Covering 1,700 acres, it still serves as a significant entry point for visitors to Goa, welcoming over half a million passengers annually.
Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata
This 1,640-acre airport, which serves Eastern India, is situated near Dum Dum, Kolkata. More than 18 million passengers use it each year, making it a significant aviation hub for Northeast and Southeast Asia
Birsa Munda Airport, Ranchi
The 1,560-acre Birsa Munda Airport in Ranchi has grown to be a major regional airport. With an increasing number of passengers, it is essential to enhance connectivity in Jharkhand and the surrounding states.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai
Spanning 1,500 acres, Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport is among the most prominent and high-traffic airports in India. Despite being the eighth largest in area, it efficiently manages a massive annual footfall of around 45 million passengers.
Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport, Nagpur
The 1,460-acre airport in Nagpur is strategically significant because of its central location in India. It has the capacity to grow into a significant cargo and logistics center and now serves over 2.3 lakh passengers.
Cochin International Airport, Kochi
The first airport in India to run exclusively on solar energy is Cochin International Airport in Kerala. It is 1,300 acres in size and serves about a million travelers annually. It is renowned for both its public-private collaboration approach and its inventive infrastructure.
Conclusion
With growing air traffic and ambitious infrastructure plans, these airports are poised to become even more important in shaping India’s economic and global connectivity future.
About the Author
Abhishek Roy
Abhishek Roy is a Managing Editor at Business Minds Media India.
