Over the last few years, Indian airports have seen many changes, from barely functional to state-of-the-art transit facilities. Not just with the amenities, these famous airports in India also draw attention for their interesting style of architecture incorporating the local elements, and even the luxury lounges and eateries one can explore when flying in and out of the biggest airports in India.
While the list of the top 5 best airports in India is ever evolving, with newer terminals and facilities being added to them, it is a no-brainer that cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru take the cake when it comes to the best airports in India.
Let's take a fun and interesting look at India's top 5 biggest and best airports
1. Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad
The big daddy of Indian airports and a delightful venture for its travellers, with one of the best with a whopping 5,500 acres spread, this airport of Hyderabad is the largest airport in India by area. Along with its lush greenery, modern facilities and efficient functionality, Rajiv Gandhi International Airport was also the first airport, that offers e-boarding facilities for both domestic and international flights. Not only is it on this list because it is the largest airport in India, but also because it is a green airport, and was one of the first of the famous airports in India to be carbon neutral. With its innovative design and sustainable aviation practices, Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad continues to win accolades all over.
2. Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi
This airport is renowned for its efficiency and connectivity. Impressively managing over 65 million passengers yearly, the Indira Gandhi International Airport, is one of the smoothest airports to fly out of and boasts three state-of-the-art terminals that enable close to 59 airlines serving 97 destinations. One of the best airports in India, IGI is also the busiest. It is also home to the longest runway in the country, which makes managing the sheer number of flights easier at IGI, Delhi.
It is also one of the best airports in India, if not the best when it comes to overall planning. As a traveller, IGI has everything you need in close proximity. Need a luxury halt, you’ve got the fanciest of hotels in the town at a stone’s throw. Need to catch up with your client for a quick meeting before you take off? Aerocity has your back. And the metro connectivity to IGI? Chef’s kiss!
3. Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru
A world-class airport with a prime coverage of 4,000 acres, with its savvy design, is a frequent traveller favourite. The installation of fully powered solar energy as a source of electricity in Kempegowda airport showcases an eco-friendly initiative. with its operational design and structure, Kempegowda International Airport is considered one of the third largest airports in India, Bengaluru.
And apart from the efficiency, what makes Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru stand out in this list of the best airports in India, is its latest terminal which is not only stunning to look at, but also only uses bamboo, and natural lighting and ventilation. The run to this airport with Bengaluru traffic has always been a bit of a hassle but if you plan well, you can hop into any of the Airport Vayu Vajra service buses, which ply throughout the city at 30-minute intervals.
4. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai
Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport is one of the most famous airports in India. With its smooth administration and operation strategies it takes care of over 50 million passengers annually. And, not only that, it is a crucial portal to India's financial capital. It is worth passing through this airport as one can enjoy, the splendid architectural patterns and bustling atmosphere, making it quite an experience. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, or CSMIA as it is known, was also awarded the 4th spot on the list of the best international airports in the world by Travel + Leisure magazine and with some of the finest customer satisfaction ratings, it is no wonder CSMIA is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of the best airports in India.
5. Cochin International Airport, Kochi
Cochin Airport is strategically located near scenic backwaters and lush greenery of Kerala, offering breathtaking views and a serene atmosphere for travellers. It is a vital transportation hub, as it caters primarily to International flights. Sprawling across 1,300 acres, is a home for 24 airlines serving 22 destinations. This airport, which is hands down one of the best airports in India also happens to be the first in the world to have been fully powered with solar energy.
Cochin Airport is one of the most famous airports in India, and its popularity only keeps on increasing given the sheer number of tourists that make their way to Kerala, both domestic, as well as international.
This is one of the best airports in India when it comes to design as well. The facade outside reflects the local architectural style, and with an art installation resembling a wall full of well-lit diyas, Cochin Airport is a sheer visual delight.
This is by no means an exhaustive list, as there can be no one best airport in the country. Different airports delight travellers with their distinct features, whether that may be Port Blair’s Veer Savarkar International Airport with its stunning views, or Leh’s Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport which is one of the highest airports in the world. The one thing that remains common is their commitment to making travel better, more sustainable, and fun.