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In a remarkable achievement for Indian aviation, Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport has been ranked the 9th busiest airport in the world in 2024. This recognition comes from the Airports Council International (ACI) World, which released its global passenger traffic rankings based on real data.
Handling an impressive 77 million passengers in a single year, Delhi Airport’s rise reflects the country’s booming air travel market, increasing global connectivity, and continuous infrastructure upgrades.
How Has Delhi Airport Climbed the Global Rankings?
The journey to the top has been steady and strategic. Here’s how IGI Airport has progressed in global rankings over the years:
| Year | Global Rank |
|---|---|
| 2019 | 17th |
| 2021 | 13th |
| 2023 | 10th |
| 2024 | 9th |
From being 17th just five years ago to entering the top 10 in 2023, and now securing the 9th position, this rise is a clear sign of how India is emerging as a global aviation hub.
What Makes This Ranking Significant?
This isn’t just about numbers—it’s about India’s growing presence in global air traffic. Delhi Airport is currently:
- ✅ The only Indian airport in the world’s top 10 busiest list
- ✅ Connected to 150+ global destinations
- ✅ Recognized 7 years in a row as the Best Airport in Asia-Pacific by ACI (ASQ Awards)
- ✅ Managed by Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), a GMR Group initiative
Global Aviation Snapshot – 2024
To understand the magnitude of this recognition, let’s look at the bigger picture:
- ✈️ Atlanta Airport (USA) ranked 1st globally with 108 million+ passengers
- ✈️ Dubai International Airport (UAE) secured 2nd place
- 🌍 Global Passenger Traffic (2024): 9.5 billion
- 📈 Growth: 9% increase over 2023, and 3.8% above pre-pandemic levels (2019)
- 🌐 The top 10 airports alone handled 855 million passengers, which is nearly 9% of the global total
Statement from DIAL CEO: Focus on Passenger Experience
Videh Kumar Jaipuriar, the CEO of Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL), shared his thoughts on the achievement:
“Being recognized among the top 10 airports globally is not just a number—it’s a reflection of our continuous efforts to enhance the passenger experience, strengthen global connections, and set new standards for service excellence.”
Why Passengers Prefer Delhi Airport
Delhi Airport’s popularity isn’t just about traffic—passengers have praised the airport for its:
- 🧳 Seamless travel experience
- 🌐 Smart infrastructure and modern terminals
- 🛫 Efficient connectivity with domestic and international cities
- 🧼 Cleanliness, safety, and service quality
- 🏆 Repeated wins in customer satisfaction and airport service awards
Also Read:- Mumbai to Dubai Underwater Train: Will It Become Reality Soon?
Quick Facts Recap
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Global Rank (2024) | 9th |
| Passenger Traffic | 77 million |
| Is it the only Indian Airport in the Top 10? | Yes |
| Global #1 Airport | Atlanta (USA) – 108 million+ passengers |
| 2nd Busiest | Dubai International Airport (UAE) |
| Global Air Traffic (2024) | 9.5 billion passengers |
| Growth Rate | 9% over 2023, 3.8% over 2019 |
| Award Recognition | Best Airport in Asia-Pacific (7 times) |
Final Thoughts: A Moment of Pride for India
Delhi’s IGI Airport ranking as the 9th busiest airport in the world is more than just a statistic. It’s a story of vision, execution, and transformation. As India continues to make its mark in global aviation, IGI Airport stands as a proud symbol of progress, efficiency, and passenger satisfaction.