Delhi airport capacity soars past 100 million, joining elite global club

Delhi airport, with a capacity to handle 109 million passengers annually, has joined a select group of airports worldwide in the “100-million-plus club,” based on data from OAG and airport operators. There are only six airports in this exclusive list.

 

The Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL)-run hub entered the list in May last year and closed 2024 at 109 million passenger-handling capacity, following the full operationalisation of Terminal 1. That makes it the only Asian airport, apart from Tokyo Haneda, in this group. If the government clears plans to rebuild and modernise Terminal 2, the overall capacity could rise further to 140 million passengers per year.

 

The expansion plan, however, remains under discussion. Meanwhile, the Delhi-NCR region is getting ready for a second airport in Jewar. The Noida International Airport, with an initial capacity for 12 million passengers annually, is expected to be fully operational by November and help ease pressure on Delhi airport, which already handled over 80 million passengers in 2024.

 

According to the latest OAG data released this month, other airports in the 100-million-plus list include Atlanta, the global leader with a capacity to handle 125.48 million passengers as of 2024, Dubai (120 million), Tokyo Haneda (110 million), Heathrow (103 million), and Dallas (102.9 million).

 

Competition is intensifying as airports worldwide unveil aggressive expansion plans. Istanbul, currently at 90 million seats, is expected to reach 120 million by year-end and target 200 million by 2028. Riyadh’s upcoming King Salman International Airport aims for a handling capacity of 120 million passengers by 2030 and 185 million by 2050.