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GMR-Led Delhi Airport Ranks 9th Among World’s Busiest Airports in ACI’s 2024 Rankings

New Delhi, April 14, 2025: Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA), operated by Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), a GMR Airports Limited (GAL)-led consortium, has achieved a remarkable milestone by securing the 9th position in Airports Council International (ACI) World’s preliminary 2024 rankings of the world’s busiest airports. This recognition underscores Delhi Airport’s sustained passenger growth, robust infrastructure development, and expanding global connectivity, making it the only Indian airport to feature in the prestigious list.

Delhi Airport witnessed a record-breaking passenger traffic of 7.7 crore in CY 2024, reflecting its consistent year-over-year growth. This achievement follows its previous rankings of 10th in 2023, 13th in 2021, and 17th in 2019, showcasing its steady ascent as a global aviation hub.

Mr. Videh Kumar Jaipuriar, CEO of DIAL, expressed pride in the accomplishment, stating, “This recognition by ACI World is a testament to our relentless efforts to enhance the travel experience at Delhi Airport. As the Indian aviation industry witnesses significant growth, Delhi Airport remains at the forefront with its future-ready infrastructure. Our unwavering focus on delivering seamless passenger services, commitment to sustainability, adoption of cutting-edge technology, and continued investment in infrastructure have firmly positioned Delhi Airport as both a gateway to India and a world-class aviation hub.”

According to ACI World’s report, global passenger traffic in 2024 reached nearly 9.5 billion, marking a 9% increase compared to 2023 and a 3.8% rise over pre-pandemic levels in 20194.

The world’s top 10 busiest airports collectively handled 855 million passengers, accounting for 9% of total global traffic, reflecting an 8.8% increase over 2023.

Key Factors Driving Delhi Airport’s Success

  • Infrastructure Upgrades: Expanded terminal capacity, runway enhancements, and advanced technology adoption, including facial recognition systems and automated baggage handling.
  • Global Connectivity: Increasing direct international routes, connecting Delhi to over 150 destinations worldwide.
  • Sustainability Initiatives: Transitioning to renewable energy sources, achieving high levels of Airport Carbon Accreditation including ambitious goal like Net Zero Carbon Emission.

Mr. Justin Erbacci, ACI World Director General, remarked, “Amid global challenges, the resilience of the world’s busiest airports shines. These hubs are vital arteries of trade, commerce, and connectivity. As air travel grows, ACI World stands ready to support its members, ensuring the smooth flow of people and goods that drive global economic, social, and cultural progress.”

Earlier this year, Delhi Airport was honoured with the Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Award for Best Airport in Asia-Pacific for the 7th consecutive year, reaffirming its leadership in delivering superior passenger experiences.

Delhi Airport’s achievement reflects India’s growing prominence in the global aviation landscape, paving the way for further advancements in infrastructure, connectivity, and sustainability.

About GMR Airports Limited (Formerly GMR Airports Infrastructure Limited)

GMR Airports Limited (GAL) is a leading global airport platform company with over two decades of experience in designing, constructing, and operating world-class sustainable airports. Under the brand name “GMR AERO”, it offers pioneering aviation solutions in retail, aero services, and real estate. Groupe ADP joined the journey in 2020 as a strategic partner and is now a co-promoter in GAL.

As a platform business, GAL also provides a range of aero services including Duty Free, Retail, F&B, Cargo, Car Parking, O&M, and PMC services. Through its innovative Aerotropolis concept, it develops cutting-edge airport cities giving shape to best-in-class real estate developments in South Asia. GAL operates India's largest third-party Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility through its subsidiary, GMR Air Cargo and Aerospace Engineering Limited ensuring operational excellence across the Asia Pacific region.

GMR Innovex, a GMR Group entity, is developing and introducing a range of digital solutions to enhance the passenger journey and airport experience. Through GMR Aero Academy and GMR School of Aviation, the company is creating the talent pool necessary to drive the growth of the aviation sector in India (the third largest in the world).

As the largest private airport operator in Asia and the second-largest globally, GAL served over 121 million passengers in FY24 with a steadfast commitment to excellence in airport management as reflected in its consistent rankings for services by ACI and Skytrax. With a robust presence in India and Southeast Asia, the company operates key gateways such as Delhi, Hyderabad, Goa and Medan airports, while extending its technical services to Mactan Cebu International Airport in the Philippines. GAL is also developing transformative projects like the greenfield airports in Bhogapuram (Visakhapatnam), India, and Crete, Greece.

GMR Group, the promoter of GAL has a significant presence in Energy, Transportation, Urban Infrastructure, and Sports. Through its CSR arm, GMR Varalakshmi Foundation, GMR supports local communities, reflecting its commitment to improving quality of life by enhancing skills, providing education, and developing healthcare infrastructure and services.

Groupe ADP develops and manages airports, including Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Paris-Orly, and Paris-Le Bourget. In 2023, the group handled through its brand Paris Aéroport 99.7 million passengers at Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Paris-Orly, and nearly 336.4 million passengers in airports in France and abroad. Boasting an exceptional geographic location and a major catchment area, the Group is pursuing its strategy of adapting and modernizing its terminal facilities and upgrading the quality of services; the group also intends to develop its retail and real estate businesses. In 2023, group revenue stood at €5,495 million and net income at €631 million.

For further information about GMR Group, visit http://www.gmrgroup.in

For further details, please contact:

Subhendu Ray
Corporate Communications
Email: subhendu.ray@gmrgroup.in
Mobile: 9971544011

Saurabh Singh
Corporate Communications
Email: saurabh.singh@gmrgroup.in
Phone: 7291977577
 

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