New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport was the ninth busiest in the world in 2024, according to a report released by Airports Council International (ACI).
The ACI noted that IGI Airport had made significant progress since 2019 and has been “thriving” due to airline expansion, infrastructure growth, and enhanced global connectivity. The airport handled 77 million passengers in 2024, representing a 7.8 per cent increase in travellers compared to 2023.
Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport in the United States of America once again clinched the title of busiest airport in the world. In 2024, it handled 108 million passengers, followed by Dubai International Airport in second place (92 million passengers) and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport in third place (87 million passengers).
Haneda Airport in Tokyo was in fourth place, London’s Heathrow was fifth, Denver International Airport was sixth, Istanbul Airport was seventh, Chicago O'Hare International Airport was eighth and Shanghai Pudong International Airport rounded off the list in 10th place.
For the rankings, ACI World, the global trade association of the world’s airports, took into account the total number of passengers enplaned and deplaned, with passengers in transit being counted once.
The report further indicated that global total passengers in 2024 were close to 9.5 billion, representing an increase of nine per cent from 2023 or a gain of 3.8 per cent from pre-pandemic levels (2019).
The biggest jump in the rankings was recorded for Shanghai Pudong International Airport, which went from 21st position in 2023 to the 10th spot in 2024. The jump was fuelled by expanded visa policies, the resumption and expansion of international flights, operational enhancements, and the recovery of the Asia-Pacific region, particularly China.
In 2025, global passenger traffic is forecast to reach 9.9 billion with a 4.8 per cent year-over-year growth rate. While passenger demand remains strong, the pace of expansion is expected to slow as markets shift from recovery-driven surges to structural, long-term growth patterns.
(With inputs from multiple reports)
