Delhi airport soars past LA, Paris, and New York — a fast-rising global aviation hub

Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) in Delhi has achieved a major feat, overtaking major international hubs like Los Angeles, Paris, and New York to become the ninth busiest airport in the world, according to the latest Airports Council International (ACI) report for 2024. 

This accomplishment marks a significant leap from its previous tenth position in 2023 and highlights India’s growing prominence in global aviation.

Major driver: Infrastructure

The surge in Delhi airport’s global ranking is primarily attributed to a combination of large-scale infrastructure upgrades, strategic expansion projects, and passenger-focused technological advancements. 

These initiatives have not only enhanced operational efficiency but also significantly improved the travel experience for millions of passengers.

Biometric kiosks for e-visa holders

A standout innovation at IGIA is the introduction of biometric registration kiosks specifically designed for foreign nationals arriving with e-visas. 

Previously, these travellers faced long waits at immigration counters due to manual biometric collection.

The new kiosks, a first in India, allow passengers to complete biometric registration quickly upon arrival, reducing immigration processing times by more than 50%, as per Hindustan Times. 

This upgrade has streamlined entry procedures, minimized congestion, and elevated Delhi’s reputation as a tech-forward international gateway.

Phase 3A expansion: Boosting international transfers

The Phase 3A expansion has been a game-changer for IGIA. This ambitious project nearly doubled the size of the International-to-International (I-to-I) transfer area at Terminal 3, expanding it to approximately 3,000 square meters, according to ACI-Asia Pac. 

The upgraded facility now features:

• Seven food and beverage and retail counters (up from one)

• Ten check-in counters (up from six)

• Fifteen frisking booths (up from eleven)

• Eight X-ray machines (up from four)

These enhancements have made international transfers faster and more convenient, reducing wait times and improving the overall passenger experience.

The expansion also included modern baggage handling systems, automated security checks, and direct Metro connectivity, positioning Delhi as a premier transit hub in South Asia.

Unmatched connectivity: 153 destinations

Delhi Airport’s robust connectivity is another key factor behind its meteoric rise. IGIA now offers direct flights to 153 cities — 81 domestic and 72 international — making it one of the most connected airports globally. 

This extensive network includes new routes to destinations such as Phnom Penh, Bali Denpasar, Calgary, Montreal, Vancouver, Washington Dulles, Chicago O’Hare, and Tokyo Haneda. 

The airport’s reach has been instrumental in attracting both business and leisure travelers, as well as serving as a vital transit point for long-haul journeys.

Expanded operations of major airlines

The expansion of major airlines’ operations from Delhi has further fueled passenger growth. Both Indian and international carriers have increased their flight frequencies and introduced new routes to meet rising demand. 

The airport is now served by 60 foreign carriers and six Indian carriers, handling a record 73.7 million passengers in FY2024, as per New Delhi Airport. 

The deployment of wide-body aircraft and the addition of new international destinations have solidified Delhi’s status as a global aviation hub.

Delhi’s rise on the global aviation stage

Delhi’s ascent in the ACI rankings is not just a testament to increased passenger numbers but also to the airport’s strategic vision and execution. 

With a 7.8% year-on-year rise in passenger traffic and a 13.6% increase compared to pre-pandemic levels, IGIA has outpaced traditional giants like Los Angeles, Paris, and New York in both scale and service, according to the Times of India. 

The airport now facilitates seamless connections for millions of domestic and international travelers annually, with nearly half of all long-haul passengers from India choosing Delhi as their gateway.

Looking ahead

With continued investments in infrastructure, technology, and passenger services, Delhi Airport is poised to maintain — and even improve — its standing among the world’s elite airports.

Its success story serves as a model for other airports in emerging markets, demonstrating how visionary planning and passenger-centric innovation can transform an airport into a global leader.