Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport has celebrated a remarkable achievement by becoming the first airport in India to connect 150 destinations worldwide, reaffirming its status as a significant global aviation hub. This milestone not only highlights Delhi Airport's relentless efforts to broaden its destination network but also underlines its commitment to enhancing operational efficiency and passenger connectivity.
The milestone was marked recently with the inaugural direct flight service launched by Thai AirAsia X between Delhi and Bangkok-Don Mueang, achieving the landmark of the 150th destination. Operating initially with Airbus A330 aircraft at twice-weekly frequency, this route is slated for expansion to four flights weekly by mid-January 2025, clearly indicating the airport's growth and its openness to international travel.
Over the years, Delhi Airport has successfully added more than 20 exclusive international destinations, including popular routes to locations such as Phnom Penh, Bali Denpasar, Calgary, Montreal, Vancouver, Washington Dulles, Chicago O’Hare, and Tokyo Haneda. This expansion bolsters its reputation as not just a domestic hub but also as a preferred choice for international long-haul passengers.
Delhi Airport's position as a leader for transfer passengers is particularly noteworthy, having seen the volume of transfer passengers double over the last decade. Approximately 88% of long-haul destinations from India are now connected by flights from Delhi, which operates over half—56%—of all weekly long-haul flights departing from the country. This remarkable connectivity allows approximately 4 million domestic passengers each year to seamlessly connect to international flight options.
Videh Kumar Jaipuriar, CEO of Delhi International Airport Limited, stated, "This milestone of connecting 150 destinations is a testimony to our unwavering commitment to enhancing global connectivity and providing world-class travel experiences. We are proud to lead India to a new era of aviation and remain dedicated to being the hub of choice for travelers worldwide." His comments resonate with the airport's ambition and continuous development path.
Infrastructure and passenger-centric facilities play pivotal roles at Delhi Airport, allowing it to set benchmarks for excellence within the aviation sector. The airport's state-of-the-art terminals, efficient transfer process, and continued investment in innovative solutions substantially contribute to its operational success.
Delhi's airport authorities are also enhancing their fleet and services, with Indian carriers incorporating more wide-body aircraft. This move is expected to significantly impact Delhi Airport's function as a super-connector hub, especially desirable for international and long-haul travel.
GMR Airports Limited, the operator of Delhi Airport, is recognized as the largest private airport operator across Asia and the second-largest globally. The company's experience and modern management strategies have made it capable of handling upwards of 121 million passengers during the fiscal year 2024 alone. GMR's concerted efforts, aligned with the latest advancements in airport infrastructure, continue to attract travelers both domestic and international.
Alongside substantial passenger growth, GMR's expertise also encompasses groundwork for new developments, including upcoming greenfield airports planned in India and Greece, demonstrating the company’s commitment to growth and sustainability within the global transport sector.
Through its range of services, including retail and aeronautics, and future-oriented initiatives such as the introduction of smart digital solutions for passengers, GMR Airports is shaping the travel experience for many. Their efforts have not gone unnoticed, earning them commendations from prestigious organizations like Airports Council International (ACI) and Skytrax for outstanding service delivery.
Such milestones are pivotal for the Indian aviation industry as they pave the way for advancements not only within the country but also on the global stage. Stakeholders highlight the increasing importance of connectivity with growing global travel trends, and Delhi Airport's landmark achievement stands tall as both inspiration and blueprint for other airports aiming for similar successes.
With its strategic geographic location, undeniable operational efficiency, and unmatched connectivity, Delhi Airport seems set to continue leading the charge for India’s aviation aspirations, making it the gateway not just for the subcontinent but also for international travelers.
