Top 10 Airports in India
An airport is a commercial airfield with other facilities. A landing area consists of an aerially accessible open space with at least one operationally active surface, such as a runway for a plane to take off and land or a helipad. It often includes adjacent utility buildings such as control towers, hangars, and terminals, to maintain and monitor aircraft, typically found at airports. Airport aprons, taxiway bridges, air traffic control centers, passenger amenities including restaurants and lounges, and emergency services are available at larger airports.
Airport operations are exceedingly intricate, involving a complex system of aircraft support services, passenger services, and aircraft control services. As a result, airports can be large employers and vital tourism and transportation hubs. Airports have a variety of laws and safety precautions in place to limit dangers because they are areas where heavy machinery is used. Furthermore, airports have significant local environmental impacts as big sources of air pollution, noise pollution, and other environmental impacts, making them areas where the environmental effects of aviation are felt most strongly.
Airport terminals are among the most complex and enormous buildings globally, accounting for 15 of the top 50 buildings by floor area. A heliport is a small airport that only serves helicopters. A seaplane base is a type of airfield used by seaplanes and amphibious aircraft. A strip of open water for takeoffs and landings and seaplane docks for tying up are common features of such a base. In addition to incorporating all of the above aspects, an international airport has additional facilities for customs and passport control.
Airport security
Baggage searches, metal screenings of individual passengers, and restrictions prohibiting the possession of any material that may be used as a weapon are all standard procedures at airport security. Since the September 11 attacks and the passage of the Real ID Act in 2005, airport security has risen substantially and become more stringent than before.
Product and Services
Premium and VIP services could be available at airports. Express and specialized check-in counters may be part of the premium and VIP services. First and business-class passengers, frequent premium flyers, and members of the airline’s clubs are typically the only ones who have access to these amenities. Passengers who belong to a different airline’s frequent flyer program may occasionally have access to premium amenities. This might be part of a reciprocal agreement, such as when different airlines are members of the same alliance, or it can be a ruse to lure premium customers away from competitors.
When an airline makes a mistake in managing a passenger, such as unjustified delays or mishandling of checked baggage, these premium services are sometimes supplied to a non-premium traveler.
Food is frequently provided for free or at a discounted rate in airline lounges, along with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Baristas, bartenders, and gourmet chefs work in several airline lounges. Seating, bathrooms, quiet places, televisions, computers, Wi-Fi and Internet access, and power outlets are common features in lounges where travelers can charge their devices.
Airlines may operate multiple lounges within a single airport terminal to provide ultra-premium clientele, such as first-class passengers, with additional services unavailable to other premium passengers. Multiple lounges may also help to avoid overcrowding in the lounges.
Facilities
A link between the passenger facilities and the aircraft, such as jet bridges or airstairs, must be provided for both sets of passengers. Baggage must also be transported from the baggage drop-off to leaving planes and arriving airlines to baggage reclaim.
Customs and immigration services are available at airports that serve international aircraft. However, because some nations have agreements that allow them to travel between them without going through customs and immigration, such facilities aren’t strictly necessary for an international airport. Although many countries have adopted the same degree of security for international and domestic travel in recent years, foreign flights frequently require a higher level of physical security.
Air travel reduces the length of our journey while also providing us with breathtaking views that we could only dream of in the past. Fortunately, India is home to some of the world’s most beautiful airports, complete with world-class amenities.
| International Airport Name & Code | International Airport Location | Type/Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport – BOM | Mumbai, Maharashtra | Commercial Airport |
| Kempegowda International Airport – BLR | Bangalore, Karnataka | Commercial Airport |
| Chennai International Airport – MAA | Chennai, Tamil Nadu | Commercial Airport |
| Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport – CCU | Kolkata, West Bengal | Commercial Airport |
| Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport – LKO | Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh | Commercial Airport |
| Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport – ATQ | Amritsar, Punjab | Commercial Airport |
| Visakhapatnam International Airport – VTZ | Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh | Civil Enclave |
| Kannur International Airport – CNN | Kannur, Kerala | Commercial Airport |
| Surat International Airport – STV | Surat, Gujarat | Commercial Airport |
| Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport – IDR | Indore, Madhya Pradesh | Commercial Airport |
| Cochin International Airport – COK | Kochi, Kerala | Commercial Airport |
| Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport – AMD | Ahmedabad, Gujarat | Commercial Airport |
| Indira Gandhi International Airport – DEL | Delhi | Commercial Airport |
| Dabolim Airport – GOI | Goa | Civil Enclave |
| Pune Airport – PNQ | Pune, Maharashtra | Civil Enclave |
| Thiruvananthapuram International Airport – TRV | Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala | Commercial Airport |
| Coimbatore International Airport – CJB | Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu | Commercial Airport |
| Calicut International Airport – CCJ | Calicut, Kerala | Commercial Airport |
| Biju Patnaik International Airport – BBI | Bhubaneswar, Odisha | Commercial Airport |
| Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport – GAU | Guwahati, Assam | Civil Enclave |
| Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport – VNS | Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh | Commercial Airport |
| Rajiv Gandhi International Airport- HYD | Hyderabad, Telangana | Commercial Airport |
| Tiruchirappalli International Airport – TRZ | Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu | Commercial Airport |
| Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport – NAG | Nagpur, Maharashtra | Commercial Airport |
| Sheikhul Aalam International Airport – SXR | Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir | Civil Enclave |
| Imphal International Airport – IMF | Imphal, Manipur | Commercial Airport |
| Jaipur International Airport – JAI | Jaipur, Rajasthan | Commercial Airport |
| Madurai Airport – IXM | Madurai, Tamil Nadu | Customs, Commercial |
| Bagdogra International Airport – IXB | Siliguri, West Bengal | Commercial Airport |
| Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport – PAT | Patna, Bihar | Commercial (Restricted International Flights, Customs) |
| Mangalore International Airport – IXE | Mangalore, Karnataka | Commercial Airport |
| Chandigarh International Airport – IXC | Chandigarh | Civil Enclave (Restricted International Flights, Customs) |
So, here are India’s top 10 international and domestic airports, all of which provide excellent service and operation.
1. Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi
It is one of the busiest airports in the country, serving the nation’s capital. Three runways and three terminals serve this wonderfully designed airport. It features a variety of amenities, including sleeping pods, shopping outlets, free Wi-Fi, luxury lounges, a currency exchange center, restaurants, and exquisite aesthetics. Due to all of the safety measures taken during the pandemic, this airport was named the “second safest airport” globally in 2021.
2. Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, Mumbai
The second busiest airport in India is next on our list! It has two terminals and two crisscrossing runways and covers an area of 1,850 acres. But it is best known for its opulent GVK lounge, which caters to business and first-class travelers. This fantastic lounge features a bar, bathing space, and great eating selections, making your trip experience even more enjoyable. Additionally, this airport provides travelers with various cafes and retail options. We almost neglected to add the Jaya He GVK New Museum, which recently opened at T2. The museum has a stunning collection of 5000 exhibits that depict India’s diverse culture and history.
3. Kempegowda International Airport, Bangalore
This huge airport covers an area of 4,000 acres. However, it is the first solar-powered airport in Karnataka, making it one of India’s greatest airports. This airport, located in India’s Garden City, is surrounded by lovely gardens, which add to the airport’s attractiveness and aesthetics. You will appreciate the airport’s luxurious sleep pods if you travel frequently. And, when you’re hungry, you can indulge in the international cuisine served in the many restaurants and food courts.
4. Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata
This airport is 1,641 acres and is named after the great independence hero Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose. It is one of India’s oldest airports, being opened in 1924. If you’re flying out of this airport, you may expect to find a variety of lounges, ATMs, retail stores, and restaurants. The availability of such facilities and great travel support ensures that every passenger has a pleasant and stress-free journey.
5. Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad
For many years, travelers have been enthralled by the excellent infrastructure and plethora of amenities. Since its inception in 2008, Hyderabad airport has provided world-class services, making it one of the most sought-after airports in the country. It has one passenger terminal, one freight terminal, and two runaways. The GMR Aerospace and Industrial Park, which was built to address the demands of India’s manufacturing and assembly hubs, is also located at the airport.
6. Chennai International Airport, Chennai
Chennai Airport is one of India’s oldest airports and one of the country’s most important aviation centers. It has serviced weary travelers with its beautiful surroundings and services. Its infrastructure differs from that of other airports in that its two terminals are near to one another and connected by a building. There are numerous eateries and businesses where you may get quick snacks. This airport is, in fact, one of the most important stops for travelers visiting our country from South and Southeast Asia.
7. Cochin International Airport, Cochin
Cochin International Airport is a strong contender for the honor! India’s second airport (after Delhi) to feature three terminals, with two domestic and one international terminal. Food courts, executive and reserve lounges, VIP lounges, prayer rooms, restaurants, and a shopping center are just a few of the amenities available at the airport. Another reason for its inclusion on this list is that it was the country’s first airport to run entirely on solar energy.
8. Coimbatore International Airport, Coimbatore
Coimbatore International Airport is one of Tamil Nadu’s most important airports, with three international and five local airlines. For tourists traveling from all over the world, the airport is known for providing essential amenities such as child care, disability assistance, and ATMs. It is also provided with taxi and cab services, allowing passengers to travel to different city sections easily.
9. Dabolim Airport, Goa
Almost every avid tourist has Goa on their bucket list, and there is no doubt that the Dabolim airport in Goa welcomes thousands of visitors each year. The airport’s interiors are state-of-the-art, and it has all of the necessary amenities. Another notable feature of the Dabolim airport is that it operates as a commercial airport and an Indian Navy installation. Whether you’re flying into Goa from inside the country or from another country, this airport will ensure access to everything you need.
10. Jaipur International Airport, Jaipur
Jaipur International Airport is a remarkable example of modern design, despite the city’s rich culture, legacy, and history. This airport offers lounges and outside cab services in addition to pleasant aesthetics. Passengers always have a pleasant experience at Jaipur International Airport, which is among India’s top ten airports.
These are India’s top ten airports, ensuring you have a memorable journey to your final destination. So, the next time you plan a flight, you’ll know which airports will provide you with the finest experience.