By Staff Correspondent
India’s rapid ascent in the global aviation market has been underscored by the performance of its leading airports, with Delhi and Mumbai establishing themselves as prominent hubs, handling 74 million and 60 million passengers, respectively, annually.
According to the latest figures presented in the Rajya Sabha by General (Dr) VK Singh (Retd), the Minister of State in the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the country’s aviation infrastructure is demonstrating a robust ability to accommodate the burgeoning demand, reflecting the nation’s position as the third-largest domestic aviation market in the world.
A Closer Look At The Figures
Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (DIAL): With an average of 5.44 million passengers each month, Delhi’s airport emerges as a significant nexus in Indian aviation, boasting an annual passenger handling capacity of 74 million.
Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (MIAL): The Mumbai hub maintains a monthly average of 3.66 million passengers, translating to an annual capacity of 60 million.
Bangalore’s Kempegowda International Airport (BIAL): Managing an average of 2.66 million monthly passengers, Bangalore’s airport reflects an annual handling capacity of 51.50 million.
Other airports, including those in Hyderabad, Chennai, Goa, Lucknow, Guwahati, Jaipur, and Varanasi, also exhibit a dynamic passenger handling ability, adding to the country’s overall aviation capacity.
Aiming For Infrastructure Enhancement
The success of India’s aviation market does not solely rest on the numbers but also on the underlying infrastructural enhancements and process optimisations.
Singh highlighted the government’s multipronged strategy, focusing on capacity enhancement through terminal improvements, commissioning additional baggage X-ray machines, deployment of more manpower by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), and meticulous coordination with airlines to prevent flight bunching.
A Market With Momentum
India’s 30 international airports represent more than a mere network of transportation hubs; they symbolise a nation poised to capitalise on its strategic location and demographic advantages. With the government’s focus on the visible and unseen aspects of airport operations, India is setting a new benchmark in aviation infrastructure.
These accomplishments signal India’s determination to keep pace with and lead in the rapidly evolving global aviation landscape. As the world begins to emerge from the challenges of the pandemic, India’s aviation sector seems well-placed to take flight in this new era, fuelled by strategic planning, investment, and innovation.
