List of Airports in India: A Comprehensive Overview

India’s aviation sector has grown significantly in recent years, connecting major cities, remote regions, and international destinations. The list of airports in India includes a mix of international hubs, domestic facilities, and specialized customs airports that support both commercial and cargo operations. As of 2025, there are approximately 159 operational airports across the country, managed by various entities including the Airports Authority of India (AAI), private operators, and state governments. This guide provides a detailed examination of the list of airports in India, categorized by type, with information on locations, codes, and key features. Whether for travel planning or understanding infrastructure development, this resource covers essential details drawn from reliable sources.

The expansion of airports reflects India’s economic progress and increasing air traffic. With over 487 airports and airstrips in total, including non-commercial ones, the operational commercial airports number around 147 under AAI management alone, comprising 34 international, 103 domestic, and 10 customs airports. Other estimates suggest more than 35 international airports when including recently upgraded facilities.

International Airports in the List of Airports in India

International airports form the backbone of India’s global connectivity, handling millions of passengers annually and serving as gateways for tourism, business, and trade. These facilities are equipped with advanced infrastructure, including customs and immigration services, to accommodate flights from around the world. The list of airports in India features 34 such international airports, many managed by private entities like Adani Group or GMR Group for enhanced efficiency.

Here is a detailed breakdown of key international airports, including their locations, IATA and ICAO codes, and notable features:

• Tirupati International Airport (TIR / VOTP), located in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh: This airport serves pilgrims visiting the famous Tirumala temple and has seen upgrades to handle international traffic, focusing on Southeast Asian routes.
• Vijayawada International Airport (VGA / VOBZ), in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh: Known for its role in connecting the Amaravati region, it supports both passenger and cargo operations with modern terminals.
• Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (GAU / VEGT), in Guwahati, Assam: Managed by Adani Group, this is the primary gateway to Northeast India, featuring expanded runways and facilities for regional growth.
• Manohar International Airport (GOX / VOGA), in Mopa, Goa: Operated by GMR Group, it alleviates pressure from Dabolim Airport and caters to tourist influx with sustainable design elements.
• Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (AMD / VAAH), in Ahmedabad, Gujarat: Under Adani management, it is a major hub with award-winning architecture and connectivity to Middle Eastern and European destinations.
• Rajkot International Airport (HSR / VAHS), in Rajkot, Gujarat: Recently elevated to international status, it boosts industrial trade in the Saurashtra region.
• Surat International Airport (STV / VASU), in Surat, Gujarat: Famous for diamond and textile industries, this airport has expanded to include direct international flights.
• Kempegowda International Airport (BLR / VOBL), in Bengaluru, Karnataka: Managed by Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), it is one of India’s busiest, with two terminals and plans for a third to handle over 50 million passengers.
• Mangaluru International Airport (IXE / VOML), in Mangaluru, Karnataka: Jointly managed by AAI and Adani Group, it serves the coastal region with connections to Gulf countries.
• Kannur International Airport (CNN / VOKN), in Kannur, Kerala: Operated by Kannur International Airport Limited (KIAL), it supports expatriate traffic from the Malabar area.
• Cochin International Airport (COK / VOCI), in Kochi/Thrissur, Kerala: Managed by Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL), it is India’s first fully solar-powered airport and a key hub for Middle East routes.
• Kozhikode International Airport (CCJ / VOCL), in Kozhikode/Malappuram, Kerala: Under AAI, it facilitates international travel for the northern Kerala population.
• Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (TRV / VOTV), in Thiruvananthapuram/Kollam, Kerala: Managed by Adani Group, it connects to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, with historical significance as one of India’s oldest airports.
• Devi Ahilyabai Holkar International Airport (IDR / VAID), in Indore, Madhya Pradesh: AAI-managed, it has grown rapidly due to central India’s commercial boom.
• Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM / VABB), in Mumbai, Maharashtra: Operated by Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL), it is India’s second-busiest, handling extensive international cargo and passengers.
• Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport (NAG / VANP), in Nagpur, Maharashtra: Jointly managed by GMR Group, Maharashtra Airport Development Company (MADC), and AAI, it serves as a multi-modal logistics hub.
• Nashik International Airport (ISK / VAOZ), in Nashik, Maharashtra: Managed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), it supports wine tourism and industrial exports.
• Shirdi Airport (SAG / VASD), in Shirdi, Maharashtra: Under MADC, it caters to devotees visiting the Sai Baba temple with international potential.
• Bir Tikendrajit International Airport (IMF / VEIM), in Imphal, Manipur: AAI-managed, it connects Northeast India to Southeast Asia.
• Biju Patnaik International Airport (BBI / VEBS), in Bhubaneswar, Odisha: Under AAI, it serves as an eastern gateway with cultural tourism focus.
• Jaipur International Airport (JAI / VIJP), in Jaipur, Rajasthan: Managed by Adani Group, it handles traffic to heritage sites with modern expansions.
• Chennai International Airport (MAA / VOMM), in Chennai, Tamil Nadu: A major southern hub under AAI, known for its connectivity to Asia and Europe.
• Coimbatore International Airport (CJB / VOCB), in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu: Recently upgraded, it supports textile and engineering exports.
• Madurai Airport (IXM / VOMD), in Madurai, Tamil Nadu: AAI-managed with international flights to Singapore and Dubai.
• Tiruchirappalli International Airport (TRZ / VOTR), in Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu: Focuses on Southeast Asian routes.
• Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYD / VOHS), in Hyderabad, Telangana: Managed by GMR Group, it is one of the largest by area, spanning 5,500 acres.
• Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS / VEBN), in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh: AAI-managed, serving pilgrims to religious sites.
• Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport (LKO / VILK), in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh: Under Adani Group, it connects to Middle East hubs.
• Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU / VECC), in Kolkata, West Bengal: AAI-managed, a key eastern international airport.

These international airports in the list of airports in India contribute significantly to the economy, with major ones like Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL / VIDP) handling over 70 million passengers annually and spanning 5,100 acres.

Domestic Airports in the List of Airports in India

Domestic airports primarily handle internal flights, connecting urban centers with smaller towns and promoting regional development. The list of airports in India includes over 100 domestic facilities, many of which are civil enclaves at military bases. These airports are crucial for affordable air travel under schemes like UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik).

Key domestic airports include:

• Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ / VOPB), in Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands: Though listed as domestic in some categorizations, it has customs facilities; serves island tourism.
• Visakhapatnam Airport (VTZ / VOVZ), in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh: A civil enclave with plans for international upgrade.
• Dibrugarh Airport (DIB / VEDB), in Dibrugarh, Assam: Supports tea industry logistics.
• Gaya Airport (GAY / VEGY), in Gaya, Bihar: Focuses on Buddhist pilgrimage sites.
• Jay Prakash Narayan Airport (PAT / VEPT), in Patna, Bihar: Major hub for eastern India.
• Raipur Airport (RPR / VARP), in Raipur, Chhattisgarh: Serves mining and industrial areas.
• Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL / VIDP), in Delhi: While international, it has extensive domestic operations; India’s busiest at over 5,100 acres.
• Dabolim Airport (GOI / VOGO), in Goa: Civil enclave at naval base, handling domestic tourist traffic.
• Vadodara Airport (BDQ / VABO), in Vadodara, Gujarat: Supports pharmaceutical industry.
• Shimla Airport (SLV / VISM), in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh: High-altitude facility for hill station access.

And many more across states like Jammu and Kashmir, Jharkhand, and Punjab. Domestic airports in the list of airports in India often feature basic amenities but are being modernized to meet growing demand.

Customs Airports and Civil Enclaves in the List of Airports in India

Customs airports handle limited international operations, typically for cargo or seasonal flights. Examples include Bhubaneswar’s Biju Patnaik (already mentioned) and others like Amritsar’s Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport (ATQ / VIAR), which has customs status alongside international capabilities.

Civil enclave airports, such as those in Agra (AGR / VIAG) or Jammu (IXJ / VIJU), operate commercial flights from military airbases, optimizing resources.

Upcoming and Future Airports in the List of Airports in India

India’s aviation vision aims for over 200 operational airports by 2030. Upcoming projects include:

• Jewar Airport, in Noida, Uttar Pradesh: Expected to open in 2025, it will be Asia’s largest with multiple runways.
• Navi Mumbai International Airport, in Maharashtra: Slated for 2025, relieving Mumbai’s congestion.
• Purandar Airport, in Pune, Maharashtra: Under development for regional connectivity.
• Dholera International Airport, in Gujarat: Part of a smart city project.
• Visakhapatnam International Airport, in Andhra Pradesh: Upgrade to full international status.

These additions to the list of airports in India will enhance capacity for 1 billion travelers by 2040.

State-Wise Distribution in the List of Airports in India

Breaking down by states, Uttar Pradesh leads with multiple airports, followed by Gujarat and Maharashtra. For instance:

This distribution ensures balanced regional development.

Importance of the List of Airports in India for Economic Growth

The list of airports in India plays a pivotal role in boosting GDP through tourism, trade, and employment. Major airports like Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi and Delhi’s Indira Gandhi rank among the largest by area, facilitating cargo worth billions. Initiatives like green airports and digital check-ins are making them more efficient.

The List of Airports in India reflects the country’s vast connectivity and rapid growth in air travel. From major international airports like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru to smaller regional airports, each plays a vital role in linking cities, boosting tourism, and supporting trade. Understanding the List of Airports in India is helpful not only for travelers but also for students and researchers who want to learn about India’s expanding aviation network. With new airports being developed under government initiatives, the future of air transport in India looks promising.

FAQs on the List of Airports in India

1. How many airports are there in India?

India has more than 140 operational airports, including international, domestic, and regional airports.

2. Which is the largest airport in India?

Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi is the largest airport in India in terms of passenger traffic and area.

3. Which is the busiest airport in India?

Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi, is the busiest airport in India, handling millions of passengers every year.

4. What is the oldest airport in India?

Juhu Aerodrome in Mumbai, established in 1928, is considered the oldest airport in India.

5. How many international airports are there in India?

India has more than 30 international airports connecting the country to destinations worldwide.

6. Which airport is the smallest in India?

Trichy Airport in Tamil Nadu is among the smallest international airports, while some regional airports are even smaller.

7. Why is the List of Airports in India important?

The List of Airports in India helps travelers, students, and researchers understand the country’s air connectivity and infrastructure.

8. Which is the first private airport in India?

Cochin International Airport in Kerala is India’s first private airport, also known for being solar-powered.

9. How are airports in India managed?

Most airports in India are managed by the Airports Authority of India (AAI), while some are operated through public-private partnerships.

10. Which Indian states have the highest number of airports?

Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Gujarat are among the states with the highest number of operational airports.