Leading Indian airports FY 2024, by volume of freight

At the end of the financial year 2024, Indira Gandhi International Airport, serving the national capital region of New Delhi in India, with one million metric tons, was the leading airport in terms of total freight handled. The volume of air freight at New Delhi airport increased by around 12 percent on a year-over-year basis in comparison with the previous year. The capital’s international airport was also the leading airport in terms of the number of passengers handled.

Industry scenario

India has 138 operational airports, and aims to more than double its number of airports to 300 by 2047. Total passenger traffic across the country was around 376 million in 2024. Aircraft movements also increased during that year. However, since the shutdown of Jet Airways, the growth rate in the industry has reduced significantly. Even though the departure of formerly one of the biggest private airline companies has opened growth opportunities for other competitors in the domestic market, the pressure on one of the two full-service carriers, Air India, to start international operations has presumably increased. Jet Airways was expected to resume operation by the end of 2024. 

Outlook

The air transport sector is recovering from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. And a better cost environment, reduced fuel taxes and more efficient airport regulations are most likely to be the key factors for continued recovery and growth of this industry. The government has already taken actions to increase the capacity of existing airports. Projects for the addition of new airports to boost tourism and to facilitate fast and economic travel within the country have also begun.