Sachin Walls
India has seen a rapid increase in the number of airports over the last decade, with the total number of operational airports more than doubling from 74 in 2014 to 125 in 2024. As of 2024, the Indian state with the highest number of airports receiving regular commercial flights is Uttar Pradesh, with 14 airports. The recent opening of airports in Ayodhya, Azamgarh, Chitrakoot, Aligarh, Moradabad, and Shravasti has contributed to Uttar Pradesh's lead in aviation connectivity. However, when considering the number of airports alone, Gujarat takes the lead with nine airports, followed closely by Maharashtra with eight.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| State with the highest number of airports | Uttar Pradesh |
| Number of airports in Uttar Pradesh | 14 |
| States with the second highest number of airports | Maharashtra |
| Number of airports in Maharashtra | 11 |
| States with no airports | Haryana |
| Union Territories with no airports | Pondicherry, Dadra & Nagar Haveli |
| States with the highest number of airports among given options | Gujarat |
| Number of airports in Gujarat | 9 |
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What You'll Learn
Uttar Pradesh has the highest number of airports
With 14 airports, Uttar Pradesh has the highest number of airports in India that will receive regular commercial flights. This number has increased over the years, with the recent opening of airports in Ayodhya, Azamgarh, Chitrakoot, Aligarh, Moradabad, and Shravasti. Uttar Pradesh is followed by Maharashtra with 11 airports, and then Gujarat with nine.
Uttar Pradesh's prominent aviation presence is further highlighted by Lucknow, its capital city, which boasts an impressive airport infrastructure. The state's connectivity to various destinations within India and potentially internationally is facilitated by its extensive network of airports.
The state's leadership in airport infrastructure is a significant advantage for its economy and tourism industry. Efficient air connectivity enhances the state's business and investment prospects, making it an attractive destination for domestic and international investors. Moreover, the numerous airports in Uttar Pradesh contribute to the state's tourism appeal, making it more accessible to travellers from across the globe.
Uttar Pradesh's focus on aviation development aligns with India's overall growth in airport infrastructure. In the last decade, the number of operational airports in India has more than doubled, reflecting the country's commitment to enhancing its aviation sector. This expansion in airport connectivity has improved accessibility to different regions within India, fostering economic growth and tourism potential in states beyond the well-known metropolitan centres.
Uttar Pradesh's distinction of having the highest number of airports underscores its commitment to embracing air transportation as a vital component of its development strategy. The state recognises the importance of convenient air travel in attracting businesses, investors, and tourists alike. This proactive approach positions Uttar Pradesh as a leader in India's aviation landscape, setting a standard for other states to emulate.
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Delhi airport is India's busiest
Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) is India's busiest airport. As of 2024, it has surpassed all other airports in India in terms of passenger traffic, securing the 9th position globally. Over 73.6 million passengers passed through the airport during the 2023-2024 period, representing a 12.8% increase from the previous year. The airport is a key hub for major airlines like Air India and IndiGo and has seen continuous expansion to meet the growing demand for international and domestic travel.
The airport's history dates back to World War II when it was established by the British Raj as Palam Airport, serving as a base for the Royal Indian Air Force. In 1962, commercial passenger operations were relocated from Safdarjung Airport, Delhi's first airport, to Palam Airport. With the inauguration of a new international terminal, Terminal 2, in 1986, the airport was renamed Indira Gandhi International Airport. To accommodate increasing air traffic, a much larger Terminal 3 was constructed and inaugurated in 2010, making it India's and South Asia's largest aviation hub.
Delhi International Airport is managed by Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), a consortium led by the GMR Group, which holds a majority stake. The Airports Authority of India retains a 26% stake, while Fraport and Malaysia Airports previously held smaller shares. Delhi Airport has four near-parallel runways, with the longest being 4,430 meters (14,530 feet) in length.
The airport's growth reflects the significant expansion of air travel in India, particularly as both domestic and international routes continue to expand. Delhi's IGIA plays a crucial role in connecting India to the rest of the world, solidifying the city's position as a critical link in global air travel.
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Gujarat has the second-highest number of airports
Gujarat, a state in western India, boasts a sophisticated network of airports, including international, domestic, private, and military bases. With a strong focus on infrastructural development, Gujarat currently operates nine domestic airports and two exclusive airports, according to data from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation. Two new terminals are also under construction, reflecting the state's commitment to enhancing its aviation infrastructure. Notably, Gujarat is home to the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, the busiest airport in the state, serving both domestic and international flights.
Gujarat's extensive aviation ecosystem includes airstrips catering to private jets, military bases, and smaller airfields for regional flights. This comprehensive network bolsters the state's connectivity and provides efficient access to remote or less-populated areas. The state's airports play a pivotal role in promoting inter-state travel, enhancing tourism, and supporting the business needs of Gujarat, a vibrant industrial hub.
The Government of Gujarat has demonstrated its dedication to aviation development by signing a memorandum of understanding with the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation in 2016. This agreement aims to overhaul 11 airports and runways at various locations across the state, including Surat, Bhavnagar, Jamnagar, Porbandar, Keshod, Junagadh, Amreli, Bhuj, Kandla, Deesa, and Mehsana. Additionally, plans are underway for new airports in Gujarat, with projects in different stages of construction and approval, further emphasising the state's commitment to sustainable travel and regional development.
Gujarat's aviation landscape also includes disused airfields and airports owned by the state government, located at Chad Bet, Dhrangadhra, Wankaner, Wadhwan, Radhanpur, Khambhaliya, Morbi, Parsoli, and Limdi. These airfields were primarily developed during the period of British India by the erstwhile princely states. Furthermore, the Indian Air Force owns a disused military airstrip in Khavda, Kutch. GUJSAIL, the aviation branch of the Government of Gujarat, is also planning new airfields at Morbi and tourism and pilgrimage destinations such as Palitana, Ambaji, Dwarka, and Dholavira.
In summary, Gujarat's dynamic aviation sector, with its range of international, domestic, and exclusive airports, along with its focus on infrastructural development, contributes to its position as the second-highest Indian state in terms of airport numbers, surpassed only by Uttar Pradesh, which currently has 14 airports. Gujarat's ongoing projects and plans for new airports showcase its dedication to enhancing aerial connectivity, accessibility, and sustainable travel within the state.
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Maharashtra has 11 airports
Maharashtra is the second Indian state with the highest number of airports, with 11 airports in total. It is only surpassed by Uttar Pradesh, which has 14 airports. Maharashtra is India's third-largest state in terms of size, and its capital, Mumbai, is served by the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, the country's second busiest airport. This airport, located in Vile Parle, has two terminals, one for domestic flights and the other for international flights.
Pune, another major city in Maharashtra, also has an international airport with two terminals for domestic and international flights. The Pune International Airport is located approximately 10 km from the city. Another notable airport in Maharashtra is the Shirdi Airport, located in the village of Kakadi, which is a revered site for devotees of Sai Baba. This airport was inaugurated in 2017 and is currently the fourth busiest airport in the state.
In addition to these international airports, Maharashtra also has several domestic airports, including the Kolhapur Airport in Ujlaiwadi, the Nanded Airport in Hingoli, and the Sindhudurg Airport in Chipi Parule. These airports connect major cities across India, such as Mumbai, Bangalore, Tirupati, and Ahmedabad. The state also has a well-developed network of transport options available from its airports, including taxis, rickshaws, and bus services.
The availability of multiple airports in Maharashtra reflects the state's focus on efficient transport connections and its popularity among tourists. With a mix of international and domestic airports, Maharashtra offers convenient travel options for both local and international visitors.
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Some states have no airports
According to the Times of India, Uttar Pradesh has the highest number of airports receiving regular commercial flights, with 14. Maharashtra follows closely with 11 airports. However, some states and union territories (UTs) have no airports or no airports receiving flights this summer.
Haryana, for example, is a state with no airports that will receive flights during the summer of 2024. Similarly, the union territory of Pondicherry will not have any airports receiving flights during this period. In addition, the small union territory of Dadra & Nagar Haveli does not have any airports at all.
Other states and UTs with only one airport include Delhi, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, Telangana (with the airport in Hyderabad), Tripura, Andaman & Nicobar, Lakshadweep, Chandigarh, Daman and Diu, and Ladakh. Notably, Delhi's airport is the busiest in India.
While some states and UTs have a lower number of airports or none at all, the total number of airports in India has more than doubled in the last decade. As of 2024, there are 125 airports or cities in India that are expected to receive regular flights during the summer, according to the DGCA-approved schedule. This is a significant increase from 2014, when there were only 74 operational airports in the country.
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Frequently asked questions
Uttar Pradesh has the highest number of airports that will receive regular commercial flights, with a total of 14.
Maharashtra is second, with 11 airports.
Thirteen states and UTs have just one airport: Delhi, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, Telangana, Tripura, Andaman & Nicobar, Lakshadweep, Chandigarh, Daman and Diu, and Ladakh.
Gujarat has the most airports, with a total of 9.
