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A Guide to Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi
Understanding India's Busiest Aviation Hub and Global Transit Point
Official airport website
DEL · VIDP · New Delhi, Delhi
Airport name, codes and official link checked 26 Oct 2026. Confirm current flights and travel requirements with the airport and your airline.
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Tags: Indira Gandhi International Airport · New Delhi · Palam Airport · Indian Aviation · Delhi NCR · International Travel
Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) serves as the primary international gateway for New Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR). Located in Palam, the airport is situated approximately 15 kilometers southwest of the New Delhi Railway Station and 16 kilometers from the city centre. The facility covers a vast area of 5,106 acres.
Named after the former Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi, the airport was previously known as Palam Airport until 1986. Since 2009, it has maintained its status as the busiest airport in India for both passenger and cargo traffic, playing a central role in the country's aviation infrastructure.
Historical Background and Location
Originally established as Palam Airport, the facility underwent a name change in 1986 to honor Indira Gandhi. The airport's strategic location in Palam allows it to serve as the main aviation hub for the Indian capital and its surrounding regions.
The airport occupies 2,066 hectares of land. Its proximity to central New Delhi makes it a vital connection point for domestic and international travelers visiting the National Capital Region.
Global and Regional Rankings
According to the UK-based air consultancy firm OAG, Indira Gandhi International Airport is ranked as the ninth-busiest airport in the world as of 2025. Furthermore, it holds the position of the second-busiest airport globally in terms of seating capacity, offering over 3.6 million seats.
Within Asia, the airport is recognized as the third-busiest, having handled more than 77.8 million passengers in 2024. It is routinely featured in lists of the world's most active aviation facilities due to its high volume of traffic.
Traffic and Passenger Capacity
The airport reached a significant milestone during the 2024–25 fiscal year by handling over 79.2 million passengers. This figure represents the highest passenger volume recorded in the airport's history, reflecting its continued growth as a transit hub.
In addition to passenger services, the airport is the busiest in India for cargo traffic. Its infrastructure supports a massive scale of operations, catering to millions of travelers and significant freight movements every year.
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