Sachin Walls
India has seventeen international airports, and the quality of these airports varies. Some airports have been praised for their design and shopping facilities, while others have been criticised for their lack of practicality and poor crowd management. In 2024, Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport was named the Best Regional Airport in India and South Asia at the Skytrax World Airport Awards. Hyderabad Airport has also been recognised as the Best Regional Airport in India and South Asia, as well as for having the Best Airport Staff in India and South Asia.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Best Regional Airport in India and South Asia | Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru |
| Best Airport Staff in India and South Asia | Hyderabad Airport |
| Best Airport for Shopping | Mumbai CSMIA T2 |
| Best Airport for Layovers | Bangalore Airport |
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What You'll Learn
Best regional airport: Kempegowda International Airport, Bangalore
Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) is one of the best regional airports in India. It is located about 35 km (22 mi) north of the city near the suburb of Devanahalli. The airport is owned and operated by Bengaluru International Airport Limited (BIAL), a public-private consortium. It was opened in May 2008 as an alternative to the congested HAL Airport, the original commercial airport serving the city. The airport is named after Kempe Gowda I, the founder of Bengaluru, and became Karnataka's first fully solar-powered airport.
Kempegowda International Airport is the third-busiest airport in India, behind the airports in Delhi and Mumbai. It is also the 27th busiest airport in Asia and the 54th busiest airport in the world as of 2024. The airport has seen significant developments and expansions over the years, including the addition of new airlines and the construction of a second runway and a second passenger terminal. In 2019, Ethiopian Airlines began flights to Addis Ababa, marking the first non-stop connection between Bengaluru and Africa. Subsequently, in 2021, Air India initiated flights to San Francisco, establishing the first non-stop connection between Bengaluru and North America. Qantas commenced flights to Sydney in 2022, providing the first non-stop link between Bengaluru and Oceania.
The airport has also witnessed improvements in infrastructure and facilities. In 2025, amidst escalating tensions with Pakistan, the airport implemented stringent security measures, including mandatory secondary ladder point checks and a ban on visitors at terminal buildings. These measures were enforced by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) to enhance overall security.
Kempegowda International Airport has received recognition for its efficient operations and customer service. In 2023, it was ranked 69th in a list of the world's top 100 airports voted on by customers. This ranking placed it among the best airports in India and South Asia, showcasing its high standards and quality.
Overall, Kempegowda International Airport in Bangalore stands out as an exceptional regional airport in India. With its convenient location, efficient management, and continuous improvements, it offers a seamless travel experience for passengers and contributes significantly to the aviation industry in the region.
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Best airport staff: Hyderabad Airport
Hyderabad Airport has been recognised as having the best airport staff in India and South Asia. The airport has won this award on multiple occasions, including in 2024 and 2025. The Skytrax survey, which is globally respected for its comprehensive aviation assessments, evaluates airports on multiple factors that directly impact passenger satisfaction. These factors include terminal facilities, cleanliness standards, staff performance, and security procedures.
Hyderabad Airport has distinguished itself as a global leader in passenger experience. The airport has implemented numerous passenger-centric innovations, such as city-side check-in, digital solutions that minimise wait times, comfortable lounges designed for relaxation, diverse dining and shopping options, and specially trained staff dedicated to assisting passengers with special requirements.
The award for Best Airport Staff is based on thorough audits and evaluations that analyse a wide range of factors, including the combined quality of staff service (attitude, friendliness, efficiency) across front-line positions. This includes all customer-facing staff, such as those working at customer help and information counters, immigration and security staff, and staff in shops and food and beverage outlets.
The CEO of GMR Hyderabad International Airport Limited, Pradeep Panicker, attributed the airport's success to the "unwavering dedication, professionalism, and hospitality" of the entire airport staff, including all stakeholders and partners. Hyderabad Airport has set a high standard for customer service excellence and transformed the airport experience by delivering exceptional services through innovative technologies, strong stakeholder engagement, and a commitment to creating remarkable experiences.
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Best for shopping: Mumbai CSMIA T2
When it comes to shopping, Mumbai CSMIA T2 stands out as the best airport in India. Travellers have described it as an "absolutely based airport", where one can "unironically shop at Hamley's while drunk at 4 am and eating M&Ms."
Indeed, Mumbai CSMIA T2 offers a unique blend of convenience and variety for shoppers. The airport is well-known for its diverse range of retail options, from popular brands like Hamley's to smaller, unique boutiques. Whether travellers are looking for last-minute souvenirs or simply wanting to treat themselves, CSMIA T2 has something for everyone.
The airport's retail area is designed with a modern and inviting atmosphere. It boasts a spacious layout, making it easy for travellers to navigate between stores and find what they are looking for. The shopping experience is further enhanced by the availability of a wide range of dining options, ensuring that travellers can refuel and recharge during their shopping spree.
Additionally, CSMIA T2 often hosts special promotions and events to engage travellers. These events can include exclusive sales, cultural performances, and interactive activities, adding a unique dimension to the traditional airport shopping experience. The airport also offers a loyalty program that rewards frequent shoppers with exclusive perks and discounts, encouraging travellers to explore and take advantage of the diverse retail offerings.
Mumbai CSMIA T2's focus on providing a superior shopping experience has not gone unnoticed. It has received recognition and accolades for its retail offerings, solidifying its reputation as a premier shopping destination within Indian airports. So, whether you're a seasoned traveller or a local looking for a unique shopping excursion, Mumbai CSMIA T2 is the place to go for an enjoyable and memorable shopping experience in India's airport landscape.
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Best for public transport: Delhi
When it comes to accessibility and connectivity via public transport, Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport stands out as the best option in India. Here's why:
Indira Gandhi International Airport, serving New Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR), is not only India's busiest airport for passenger and cargo traffic since 2009, but it also boasts impressive public transport connections. The airport is conveniently located within the city, providing easy access to various transportation options.
One of the airport's greatest strengths is its integration with the Delhi Metro system. The Delhi Metro Airport Express Line offers a fast and efficient way to get to and from the airport. With dedicated airport stations, passengers can easily hop on a metro train and reach various parts of the city and its outskirts. The metro provides a seamless and affordable travel experience, making it a preferred choice for many travellers.
In addition to the metro, the airport is well-served by an extensive bus network. Public buses operate regularly between the airport and multiple destinations across the city. These bus services offer a cost-effective and convenient way to navigate Delhi, especially for those travelling on a budget.
While the airport itself has been praised for its good connectivity and infrastructure, it's important to manage expectations regarding airport service staff. Some travellers have reported challenges with crowd management and inefficient staff assistance. However, despite these potential drawbacks, the accessibility and frequency of public transport options available at Indira Gandhi International Airport set a benchmark for airport connectivity in India.
Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport stands out as an exemplary model for public transport integration, offering a seamless travel experience for passengers arriving or departing from the Indian capital. Its efficient connectivity via the Delhi Metro and public bus system make it a top choice for travellers seeking convenience and affordability in their airport transportation options.
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Worst airport: Darjeeling
While there is no specific airport in Darjeeling, the nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport, located 12 km southwest of Siliguri, West Bengal. Serving as a gateway to Darjeeling and other hill stations in the region, Bagdogra Airport experiences substantial traffic, with over 3.2 million passengers in 2019-20, making it the 17th busiest airport in India. However, one source indicates that Darjeeling is among the worst airports in India due to poor crowd management and a lack of connectivity except for cabs.
Darjeeling's limited transportation options extend beyond its airport or lack thereof. The nearest railway station, New Jalpaiguri, is located a considerable distance away and is accessible via the UNESCO World Heritage-listed 'Toy Train', a popular but often fully booked route during the summer months. Alternatively, travellers can opt for a bus or taxi from Siliguri, although these modes of transport have their drawbacks, including slow speeds and high costs.
The challenges associated with reaching Darjeeling by air or rail highlight the region's lack of adequate transportation infrastructure. While the construction of a new terminal building at Bagdogra Airport, expected to complete by March 2027, will enhance its capacity and international flight capabilities, it remains to be seen if this will significantly improve the accessibility and overall experience for travellers heading to Darjeeling.
Darjeeling's reputation as one of the worst airports in India underscores the need for improved transportation options in the region. With its stunning natural surroundings and UNESCO World Heritage-listed train route, Darjeeling is a desirable destination for tourists and travellers alike. However, the lack of a proper airport and the limitations of existing transportation options may deter potential visitors, impacting the local economy and the overall appeal of the region.
In conclusion, while Darjeeling offers captivating attractions, its transportation shortcomings, particularly the absence of a well-functioning airport, hinder its accessibility and convenience for travellers. The ongoing expansion of Bagdogra Airport may bring some relief, but comprehensive improvements in transportation infrastructure are necessary to elevate the travel experience and enhance Darjeeling's appeal as a sought-after destination in India.
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Frequently asked questions
Hyderabad Airport won the award for Best Airport Staff in India and South Asia.
Mumbai CSMIA T2 has been praised for its shopping, with shops like Hamley's.
Delhi has been praised for its public transport connections, with good connectivity by Metros and buses.
Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru has been named the best regional airport in India and South Asia.
