As the saying goes “Life is a journey, not a destination”! Passionate travelers admire the truth like no one else. A relaxed, secure, and enjoyable journey is what makes a trip very special. An unpleasant journey will stick to your mind with a broken heart, no matter how breathtaking the destination is. Luckily, there are quite a few efficient and best airports in India that promise to make your journey a memorable one.
We are always looking for some stunning, famous, and exotic destinations for a thrilling adventure. Air travel is introducing us to incredible views that we could only dream of in earlier times and also making our journey less time-consuming. Here is the list of the top 15 airports in India with amazing facilities.
Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi (DEL)
Indira Gandhi International Airport is situated in New Delhi, the capital city is one of the top busiest airports in India. This beautiful airport is well planned and sprawls around 5106 acres. It has a total of 3 terminals and is served by around 80 airlines, including cargo and charter flights. IGI is surely the biggest airport in India and has the longest runway. IGI becomes the 12th busiest airport in the world in the year 2020.
IGI is now connected to the Orange line of Delhi Metro via Airport express and terminal T1C-D is also connected to the National Highway 48. IndiGo, Vistara, SpiceJet, Air India, and GoAir are the popular domestic airlines that have their hub here and this is the largest airport in India by area. To regulate takeoffs and landings on time, a special Airport Collaborative Decision Making system is used. You can stay at Delhi hotels near the airport in case, you have to take an early flight.
- Terminal 1- Used for domestic flights by SpiceJet airline.
- Terminal 2- Used for domestic flights by GoAir & IndiGo airlines.
- Terminal 3- Used for international as well as domestic flights by Air India, SpiceJet, Vistara, GoAir, Air Asia, and IndiGo airlines.
Key Points
- IGI was awarded The Best Airport in Central Asia and Best Airport Staff in Central Asia at the Skytrax World Airport Awards in 2015.
- IGI was acknowledged as the “World’s Best Airport” at Airport Service Quality Awards along with Mumbai Airport in 2017.
- IGI is the busiest airport in India, the 6th busiest airport in Asia, and the 17th busiest airport in the world as per passenger traffic.
Location- Palam
Distance- 16 km from city center
Services available at the airport-
- Sleeping pods
- Cafes and restaurants
- Baggage carts
- Medical services
- Banking services
Places to visit in Delhi
- Red Fort
- Jama Masjid
- Qutub Minar
- Humayun’s Tomb
- India Gate
Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, Mumbai (BOM)
Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, Mumbai is on the list of the top 10 biggest airports in India. Mumbai Airport is the second busiest airport in India in terms of both passenger and cargo traffic. The Chhatrapati Shivaji International airport’s area is around 750 hectares and has two terminals. Terminal 2 is popular for its lavish GVK Lounge for first-class and business travelers.
This terminal offers everything from a shower area, bar, library, fine dining options, concierge services, and a business center. Air India Express, IndiGo, GoAir, and SpiceJet are popular airlines that have their base here. For public use, a 6-lane elevated road that links Terminal 2 with the Western Express Highway was opened in 2014. You’ll get the best hotels in Mumbai on this highway for your comfortable stay after landing in this city.
- Terminal 1- Situated in Santacruz and used for domestic flights only.
- Terminal 2- Situated in Sahar and used for international flights.
Key Points
- CSI was acknowledged along with IGI airport Delhi as the “World’s Best Airport” at Airport Service Quality Awards in 2017.
- CSI is also awarded as the “Best Airport for Customer Experience” all over Asia-Pacific by Airports Council International.
- Sahara International Airport was the former name of CSMIA which is one of the largest airports in India.
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport handles approx. 980 flights daily.
Location- Vile Parle East
Distance- 8 km from city center
Services available at the airport-
- Free wi-fi
- Duty-Free
- Baggage Carts
- Shops
- Restaurants and Cafes
- Medical Services
- “Jaya He GVK” Museum
Places to visit in Mumbai
Kempegowda International Airport, Bangalore (BLR)
Kempegowda International Airport, Bangalore is a hub for Alliance Air, IndiGo, GoAir, Air Asia India, and Star Air. KIA is among the list of top 10 airports in India. Bangalore airport has an area of 4000 acres and is the third biggest airport in India. This airport was inaugurated in the year 2008 and has only a single runway and terminal.
Both international and domestic flights, as well as activities, are handled by a single terminal here with ease and the second terminal’s construction is underway. You will find check-in and baggage reclaim on the ground floor while all departure gates are on the first floor. To ensure maximum comfort for travelers, Lounges and a day hotel are also available. You’ll find many luxury hotels in Bangalore near the airport. To connect the KIA to Bangalore city, National Highway 44 is directly connected.
- Terminal 1- Used for both international and domestic flights by all the airlines.
Key Points
- Gate no. 41-42 serves the world’s largest airline “Mammoth Airbus A380”.
- In honor of Bengaluru founder “Kempe Gowda,” the airport is named “Kempegowda Airport”.
- Kempegowda Airport has been awarded as “The Best Regional Airport of Asia & Central India”.
- It is the first airport in the state of Karnataka that works as fully solar-powered.
- To connect the airport with Bangalore city, a Namma Metro line has been planned.
Location- Devanahalli
Distance- 35 km from the city center
Services available at the airport-
- Baby Care Facilities
- ATMs
- Currency exchange
- Business Center
- Pharmacy
- Sleeping Pods
- Eateries
Places to visit in Bangalore
Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad (HYD)
Hyderabad has recently emerged as a major IT hub in the country and is a perfect blend of culture and heritage, is the most visited city specially visited by business persons. Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad is the largest airport in India with a total area of 5495 acres. RGI Airport has two runways, one passenger terminal, one cargo terminal, a solar power plant, and a fuel farm.
Hyderabad airport has become the 4th busiest airport in India by handling more than 8 million passengers in the year 2020-2021. Hyderabad airport works as a hub for TruJet, SpiceJet, IndiGo, and Alliance Air, while it is a focus city for AirAsia India, Air India, GoAir, and Vistara airlines. Domestic operations are handled on the eastern side of the terminal while international flights are catered by the western side of the terminal. Hyderabad airport serves 18 international and 45 domestic destinations. The 5 star hotels in Hyderabad are the best options for your stay.
- Terminal 1- Used for both international and domestic flights.
Key Points
- Rajiv Gandhi International Airport Hyderabad has been featured in the list of the world’s top 10 airports by AirHelp, a big achievement.
Location- Shamshabad
Distance- 24 km from the city center
Services available at the airport-
- Free wi-fi
- Currency exchange
- Baby care facilities
- ATMs
- Restaurants and shops
- Medical Services
Places to visit in Hyderabad
- Charminar
- Golconda Fort
- Ramoji Film City
- Qutub Shahi Tombs
- Chowmahalla Palace
Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata (CCU)
Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata was opened in 1924 which makes it the oldest airport & largest airport in India. Dum Dum Airport and Kolkata Airport are the former names of this airport which were renamed in the year 1995, in the honor of the prominent freedom fighter of India, “Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose”. This airport is one of the top 10 biggest airports in India spreading over an area of 1,641 acres. NSCB has two parallel runways for both domestic and international flights.
This Northeast airport is the 5th busiest airport in India. This airport has a newly inaugurated L-shaped terminal that has 6 levels, 18 aerobridges, 128 check-in counters, and 57 remote parking bays followed by a capacity of handling 25 million passengers annually. IndiGo, Vistara, Air Asia, Go First, Air India, and SpiceJet are domestic airlines that provide services to NSCB. This airport also offers services to many international airlines like Emirates, Biman Bangladesh, Air India, Etihad Airways, Cathay Dragon, Bhutan Airlines, Silk Air, China Eastern Airlines, Myanmar Airways International, Sri Lankan Airlines, Singapore Airlines, and Thai Airways. The best way to give rest to your body is by staying at comfortable hotels in Kolkata to skip jetlag.
- Terminal T2- Used for both domestic and international flights.
Key Points
- By the Airport Council International, NSCB is acknowledged as the “Best Improved Airport” in the Asia-Pacific region in 2014.
- By Airport Council International, NSCB is awarded as the “Best Airport” by the measures of hygiene in the Asia-Pacific region in 2020.
Location- Dum Dum
Distance- 15 km from city center
Services available at the airport-
- Babycare Facilities
- Free Wifi
- ATMs
- Currency exchange
- Restaurants and Shops
- Medical Services
Places to visit in Kolkata
- Victoria Memorial
- Howrah Bridge
- Eden Gardens
- Fort William
- Mother Teresa House
Chennai International Airport, Chennai (MAA)
Chennai International airport is the 6th busiest airport in India. The Chennai airport is spread over an area of 1323 acres and features side by side both international and domestic terminals. Chennai airport is the regional headquarters of the Airport Authority of India (South India) and is the 49th busiest airport in Asia. Chennai Airport is an important gateway for south India and Southeast Asia.
Chennai airport is among the top 10 airports in India that has two adjacent runways that are linked to each other through restaurants & administrative offices. This is India’s first airport that has aerobridges at domestic terminals. The Chennai Metro connects the airport to the city center. IndiGo, Air India, Alliance Air, Spice Jet, GoAir, and Air India Express are the airlines serving the Chennai airport. The budget hotels in Chennai are also in close proximity to Chennai airport which you can book easily for your stay.
- Terminal 1- Used for domestic flights.
- Terminal 3- Reserved for International arrivals.
- Terminal 4- Used for International departures.
Key points
- Both international and domestic terminals of Chennai airport are named after the Tamil Nadu ministers, i.e, C.N. Annadurai and K. Kamaraj.
- Once the construction is completed, terminal T6 at Chennai airport becomes the first Indian airport with a satellite terminal.
- A garden worth INR 400 million can be seen here that boasts around 40 varieties of plants.
Location- Tirusulam
Distance- 21 km from the city center
Services available at the airport-
- Railway and Tourist information booth
- Security check
- Luggage carts
- Vending machines
- Currency exchange
- Shops & Restaurants
- Duty-free
Places to visit in Chennai
- Fort St. George
- Annai Velankanni Shrine
- Madras War Memorial
- Ripon Building
- Valluvar Kottam
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad (AMD)
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad is the 7th busiest airport in India. SVPI airport is handling an average of 9 million passengers every year. SVPI airport has been operational since the year 1937 and it become the transit hub for international flights in 1991. SVPI airport has 4 terminals, and a single runway and the airport covers an area of 929 acres.
Currently, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport has two operational terminals that handle international passenger traffic and cargo traffic. SVPI airport is working as a hub for TruJet airline and a focused city for Go First and IndiGo airlines. The Ahmedabad hotels are one of the finest when it comes to the nearby airport hotels in the country.
- Terminal 1- Used only for domestic traffic.
- Terminal 2- Used for both international and domestic traffic.
Key Points
- The airport got its name from the first deputy Prime Minister of the country, “Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel”.
- By Airport Council International, Sardar Vallabhbhai International Airport was awarded as the “Most Improved Airport” for the Asia-Pacific region in 2017.
Location- Hansol
Distance- 9 km from city center
Services available at the airport-
- Child Care room
- ATMs
- Luggage Services
- Free Wifi
- SPA services
Places to visit in Ahemdabad
- Statue of Unity
- Swaminarayan Temple
- Sidi Saiyyed Mosque
- Sabarmati River Front
- Bhadra Fort
Goa International Airport, Goa (GOI)
Goa International Airport more referred to as Dabolim International Airport was built by the Portuguese in the year 1955. Goa Airport is owned by the Indian Navy and operated by the Airport Authority of India and serves as both a civilian airport and airbase of the Indian Navy. Dabolim Airport is one of the largest airports in India by area and covers around 1700 acres. To handle both domestic & international traffic, a new terminal at Dabolim airport was inaugurated in the year 2013. Vistara, Air India, SpiceJet, IndiGo, and GoAir are domestic airlines that operate here. Tourists who land in Goa book luxury resorts in Goa to have great opulence and luxury at its best.
- Terminal 1- Used for both international & domestic passengers
Key Points
- At Mopa, a second airport is under construction that is expected to be completed by the end of 2022.
- Goa airport handled 8.36 million passengers in the fiscal year of 2019-20.
Location- Dabolim
Distance- 30 km from the capital city Panjim
Services available at the airport-
- Fast aid room
- ATMs and Bank services
- Postpaid telephone
- Aesthetic Cafes and restaurants
Places to visit in Goa
- Fort Aguada
- Chapora Fort
- Bom Jesus Basilica
- Anjuna Beach
- Calangute Beach
Cochin International Airport, Cochin (COK)
Cochin International Airport in Kerala was opened in the year 1999 offering beautiful lush green panoramas. It is the 4th largest airport in India by area along with three terminals that serve both international and domestic passengers. CIA airport is the 9th busiest airport in India. With funding from more than 10000 NRIs from around 30 countries, Cochin airport is the first Indian airport that has developed as per the public-private partnership model (PPP).
One of the biggest airports in India, Cochin International airport serves major airlines which are Air India, Vistara, IndiGo, SpiceJet, Air Asia, Go First, and Alliance air. Cochin airport works as a hub for Air India Express and a city focus for Air Asia, SpiceJet, and IndiGo airlines. Hotels in Cochin near the airport provide great relief to the tourists who got puzzled in finding the best hotels for their stay in the city.
- Terminal 1- Used for domestic passengers
- Terminal 2- Used as an executive for VIP and Family Lounge
- Terminal 3- Used for International passengers
Key Points
- Cochin Airport received the “Champion of Earth” award from the United Nations in 2018.
- By Airport Council International, Cochin airport was awarded as the “Best Airport” in the Asia-Pacific region in 2020.
- In 2015, this airport becomes the first completely solar-powered airport in the world.
Location- Nedumbassery
Distance- 25 km from the city center
Services available at the airport-
- Visitor Information Centre
- Bank and Currency exchange
- Bar and Restaurants
- Baggage Trolleys
Places to visit in Cochin
- Mattancherry Palace
- Fort Kochi
- Santa Cruz Basilica
- Bolgatty Palace
- Bishop’s House
Pune International Airport, Pune (PNQ)
Pune International Airport is another airport on the list of top airports in India and the 10th busiest airport in India. Pune International Airport has 2 runways in which only one is operational under the Airport Authority and the second one is used by Indian Air Force. As a result, only one runway is used for flight arrival and departure. A new terminal is under construction while the runway expansion will be constructed soon. SpiceJet and Air India Express airlines have their hub in Pune airport. Pune hotels are the synonym for luxury and offer all the amenities to their guests.
- Terminal 1- Used for both domestic and international flights
Key Points
- Pune Airport has 2 runways, one runway comes under Indian Air Force and the other one comes under the Aiport Authority of India.
Location- Lohegaon
Distance- 10 km from city center
Services available at the airport-
- ATMs
- Currency Exchange
- Free Wifi
- Duty-free stores
- Child Care Rooms
- Information Desk
Places to visit in Pune
- Sahniwar Wada
- Aga Khan Palace
- Sinhagad Fort
- Lal Mahal
- Rajmachi Fort
Jaipur International Airport, Jaipur (JAI)
Jaipur International Airport has been ranked as the “World’s Best Airports” in handling around 5 million passengers annually. The capital city of the Land of Maharajas lefts no stone unturned when it comes to magnificent forts, stunning monuments, and beautiful gardens. Jaipur airport is one of the top busiest airports in India with an area of 247,000 sq. ft. Jaipur airport caters to two terminals and terminal 2 caters to 1000 passengers at a time. Jaipur is a focus city for SpiceJet, IndiGo, and GoAir airlines, and a hub for Supreme airlines. The heritage hotels in Jaipur are the perfect example of extra lavish staycations that attracts tourists all across the globe.
- Terminal 1- Used for Cargo and Hajj flights
- Terminal 2- Used for both domestic and international flights
Key points
- Jaipur International Airport has been ranked as the “World’s Best Airport”.
- For easier movement, terminal 2 will get 2 new aerobridges and expand by 20 m from both sides.
Location- Sanganer
Distance- 13 km from city center
Services available at the airport-
- Free Wifi
- Airport Lounge
- Baggage Carts
- Duty-free shopping
Places to visit in Jaipur
- Amber Fort
- Hawa Mahal
- City Palace
- Albert Hall Museum
- Birla Mandir
- WTP
Sheikh Ul-Alam International Airport, Srinagar (SXR)
Sheikh Ul-Alam International Airport is situated in Srinagar at a height of 1655m and is owned by both the Indian Air Force & Airport Authority of India. Srinagar airport is one of the hilltop airports in India and has one runway and an integrated terminal. The design of the terminal is somewhat similar to the magical Himalayas and the roof is designed to remove the snow easily. The integrated terminal can cater to up to 1000 passengers at a single time. If you’re visiting Srinagar then must stay at the Srinagar hotels that provide the best balcony view possible.
- Terminal- used for both international and domestic flights
Key Points
- The Srinagar Airport hasn’t received any international flights since 2020 but Hajj flights are operated regularly.
- Srinagar Airport hasn’t handled a night flight since 2020.
Location- Badgam
Distance- 12 km from the city center
Services available at the airport-
- ATMs
- Shops and Restaurants
- Currency exchange
- Wi-fi
Places to visit in Srinagar
- Dal Lake
- Nishat Bagh
- Hazratbal Shrine
- Shalimar Bagh
- Pari Mahal
Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, Leh (IXL)
Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, Leh is situated at a height of 3256m above sea level which makes it one of the highest airports in the world. This hilltop airport in India is surrounded by majestic snow-clad mountains in the Great Himalayan range and is a magical escape around the world. Regular domestic flights are operating from Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport to Mumbai, Delhi, Chandigarh, and Srinagar. This airport is a focus city for Vistara, SpiceJet, Air India, Go First, and IndiGo airlines. Hotels in Leh Ladakh are serving best to their guests with all the required amenities.
- Terminal- Used for only domestic flights
Key points
- All flights here landed and take off only in the morning due to the presence of mountains, the strong winds make it difficult for the operation of flights.
- Indian Air Force is the owner of this airport and it operates under the Airport Authority of India(AAI).
Location- Leh
Distance- 8 km from city center
Services offered at the airport-
- Wi-Fi
- Baggage Counter
- Shops
Places to visit in Leh
- Leh Palace
- Spituk Monastery
- Likir Monastery
- Pangong Lake
- Shey Monastery
Shimla Airport, Shimla (SLV)
Watching a plane landing between the snowy mountains is a rare sight to behold. Shimla Airport is situated at a height of 5000 m above sea level and is one of the best hilltop airports in India. The Shimla Airport enables delight to the passengers as they can catch the glimpse of the aircraft landing with the Himalayas in view. Alliance Air is the only airline that operates regular flights from Shimla to Delhi airport. The 4 star hotels in Shimla are the nearest to Shimla airport where you can stay comfortably.
- Terminal- Used for domestic flights
Key Points
- Shimla Airport was built by leveling the top of a mountain to give it a higher elevation and point of view.
Location- Jubbarhatii
Distance- 22 km from Shimla
Services available at the airport-
- Baggage Counter
- Wi-Fi
- Shops
Places to visit in Shimla
Agatti Airport, Lakshadweep (AGX)
Agatti Airport in Lakshadweep is one of the most picturesque airports in the world surrounded by the azure blue water of the Arabian sea. Agatti Airport is the best domestic airport in India that connects Lakshadweep to Bangalore and Kochi. The terminal of the airport can handle 50 passengers at a time and this airport is operated by the Airport Authority of India(AAI). Alliance Air is the only airline that operates domestic flights from Lakshadweep.
- Terminal- Used only for domestic flights
Key Points
- The only runway surrounded by the deep blue water of the Arabian Sea is used for landing and take-off for flights.
Location- Agatti Island
Distance- 88 km from Lakshadweep island
Services available at the airport-
- Free Wi-Fi
- Baggage Counter
Places to visit in Lakshadweep
- Minicoy Island
- Kadmat Island
- Kavaratti
The above-mentioned list contains the biggest, busiest, and largest airports in India by traffic and area wise. With more passenger handling capacity, AAI has made a demand for new airports in India. There are 34 international airports in India. The boom in the tourism industry in India has created an impact on the development of the air travel industry that has improved. So, when you arrive at these beautiful airports and look for accommodation near them then do visit HotelDekho.com for affordable hotel booking near airports.
1 Comment
Mamie
Thanks a lot 😊