Main airports
According to Wikipedia's list of India's busiest airports, which uses Airports Authority of India data, the busiest airports in the 2025–26 financial year (April to March) were:
- Delhi (DEL): 78.7 million passengers, the largest hub.
- Mumbai (BOM): 55.3 million.
- Bengaluru (BLR): 44.5 million.
- Hyderabad (HYD): 30.5 million.
- Chennai (MAA): 23.0 million.
- Kolkata (CCU): 21.1 million.
- Kochi (COK): 11.3 million.
- Goa Dabolim (GOI): 6.1 million.
- Thiruvananthapuram (TRV): 4.7 million.
Ahmedabad and Pune are also among the ten busiest. Goa has a second airport, Manohar International (GOX) at Mopa, which handled 5.4 million passengers in the same year.
Which airport for which airline
Large Indian cities are gaining second airports, and airlines are splitting between them.
- Mumbai: Navi Mumbai International (NMI) began commercial flights on 25 December 2025 with IndiGo, Air India Express, Akasa Air and Star Air, initially on domestic routes. Mumbai's original airport remains BOM.
- Delhi: Noida International Airport was inaugurated on 28 March 2026, and Wikipedia reports that flight operations began in June 2026. It is separate from Indira Gandhi International (DEL).
- Goa: Dabolim (GOI) and Mopa (GOX) are two different airports, roughly in different parts of the state.
The trap is booking on the airport code alone. Check the three-letter code (BOM or NMI, DEL or the Noida airport, GOI or GOX) on your booking, and check your airline's current terminal before travelling.
Getting between airports and into the city
At Delhi, the Airport Express line and the Magenta Line serve the airport's transit stations, including Terminal 1. This is the main rail link into the city.
For transfers between Mumbai's two airports, or between Delhi and Noida airports, allow generous time, because the airports are in different parts of their metropolitan regions. Check the current road and rail options with the airport operators before booking a same-day connection across airports. Travellers should not plan tight self-made connections between airports.
Airlines: full-service and low-cost
The main Indian airlines are Air India (full-service), IndiGo, Air India Express, SpiceJet and Akasa Air. IndiGo, Air India Express and Akasa Air all serve Navi Mumbai.
Fare rules differ by airline and change often. Air India Express offers different fares on the same flight, including hand-baggage-only fares. It does not include inflight meals as standard and sells heated meals on demand. On low-cost carriers generally, check the fare for checked baggage, seat selection and meals before paying, as these are usually extras. Confirm cabin and checked allowances on the airline's own site for your date of travel.
Lounges
The large gateways (Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai and Kolkata) have airline and independent lounges in their international and domestic terminals. Entry rules, prices and card partners change, so check the airport operator's website and your card issuer before you travel. Many independent lounges sell pay-per-visit entry at the door or online, and some accept bank or travel cards. Lounge locations also differ by terminal, so check your terminal first.
When to fly
Weather affects Indian flying through the year. Check the India Meteorological Department for forecasts, including monsoon updates, and Incredible India for the tourism calendar. Allow longer connections in the monsoon months and on winter mornings, when delays are more likely. Book early for major festivals and school holidays, when demand is highest. Check your airline's schedule for disruption notices in the days before travel.
