The 10 busiest airports in India: your guide to navigate them



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(CNN) – The impressive number of people traveling to India and India each year is staggering.
In 2017, the country recorded an impressive 1.6 billion domestic travelers. The same year, the number of international arrivals reached 10.04 million, an increase of 14% compared to 2016, according to the latest report on tourism published by the government, which does not yet provide data on 2018.

So what are the busiest airports?

Here we look at the most popular facilities in the country and what they have to offer travelers. All data comes from the latest annual traffic report of the Airports Authority of India (April 2018 to March 2019).

Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi

These elephant sculptures await travelers heading to Terminal 3 of Indira Gandhi International Airport.

These elephant sculptures await travelers heading to Terminal 3 of Indira Gandhi International Airport.

PRAKASH SINGH / AFP / AFP / Getty Images

pbadengers 69.2 million

Foreign travelers will spend most of their time in T3 – the 2.7 million square foot international terminal – which is the first LEED-NC Gold certified terminal in India. The building is bathed in natural light, electric vehicles and a rainwater recovery program.

There are all kinds of modern amenities, from the dedicated spa (O2 Spa) to free WiFi, including luggage storage, children's play area, charging stations for appliances and sleeping pods. (like Sams Snooze at My Space) to relax between the connections. .

There is even a flight simulator experience called "The Cockpit" in the international terminal, where you can try driving a Boeing 737.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport Mumbai

The state-of-the-art T2 of Chattrapati Shivaji International Airport opened in 2014.

The state-of-the-art T2 of Chattrapati Shivaji International Airport opened in 2014.

PUNIT PARANJPE / AFP / AFP / Getty Images

pbadengers 48.8 million

Serving the commercial capital of India, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport Mumbai is one of the most beautiful airports in the country.

Opened in 2014, the state-of-the-art Terminal 2 – designed by the acclaimed American architecture firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill – is particularly enjoyable.

The first thing you notice inside the dramatic recording reception room? High ceilings and bright white columns that grow high, evoking a forest larger than life.

There are local accents everywhere, from jalimosquito nets inspired by airy pavilions, mirrored mosaics and lotus chandeliers.

Then there is Jaya He – a huge art museum that hosts more than 5,000 works of art, artifacts and installations from across the country.

Better yet, the airport offers free guided "Jaya He Safaris" of 15 minutes. Simply book online in advance.

Throughout the terminal, services cover all bases, including duty-free shops, rest areas, meditation rooms, free Wi-Fi, several spas and child care rooms and playgrounds.

Kempegowda International Airport, Bangalore

Kempegowda International Airport Bangalore is the busiest airport in southern India.

Kempegowda International Airport Bangalore is the busiest airport in southern India.

Subhendu Sarkar / LightRocket / Getty Images

pbadengers 33.3 million

Another beautiful architectural project, Kempegowda International Airport in Bangalore, debuted in 2008.

Designed by the global architecture firm HOK, this elegant structure has stood the test of time thanks to its nature-oriented design.

The steel branches support a wavy roof, while vertiginous glbad walls and lots of greenery evoke Bangalore's reputation as "garden city" of India.

It may seem serene from the outside, but it's actually the busiest airport in South India – and it's growing fast. By the year 2030, the airport is expected to accommodate 45 million additional pbadengers a year.

The airport is also planning to introduce a second runway in 2019, along with other ongoing development projects.

The experience is relatively efficient: checked luggage, free WiFi connection, boutique hotel, lounges, restaurants and duty-free shops.

Chennai International Airport

The staff discovers one of the humanoid robots in the arrival hall of Chennai International Airport.

The staff discovers one of the humanoid robots in the arrival hall of Chennai International Airport.

ARUN SANKAR / AFP / AFP / Getty Images

pbadengers 22.5 million

Opened in 2013, Chennai International Airport features a columnless terminal with a curved roof.

Built with a mix of steel and recycled local materials, the airport's H-shaped structure is designed to minimize the distance traveled by pbadengers.

Meanwhile, the vertical gardens and natural light aim to make the space more open and relaxing.

Chennai International is not yet as streamlined as India's top three airports, but that is changing rapidly.

The government, which manages the airport, plans to expand its capacity to 30 million pbadengers by 2021.

Currently, facilities are more limited than other major airports: slow immigration channels, unreliable Wi-Fi access and noise from construction work.

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata

pbadengers 21.8 million

Located in Calcutta, Calcutta, the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport is one of the most modern aviation entry gates in India.

Opened in 2013, the international L shaped terminal of the airport (Terminal 2) displays a streamlined design and uses solar energy to offset energy needs.

There are also many shops and restaurants, as well as services such as luggage storage and day beds.

One of the fastest growing Indian airports, a third terminal is already in preparation to track pbadenger capacity.

With the new terminal, the airport should be able to accommodate up to 40 million pbadengers a year by 2021.

Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad

The Rajiv Gandhi International Airport of Hyderabad opened in 2008.

The Rajiv Gandhi International Airport of Hyderabad opened in 2008.

AFP / AFP / AFP / Getty Images

pbadengers 21.4 million

Opened in March 2008, Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad is widely regarded as one of the most efficient transit experiences in India.

It is streamlined, clean and incredibly tech savvy, having introduced the first biometric face recognition software from an Indian airport last year.

The airport is also considered one of the most "green" in India. He has won gold as part of CREA's Green Airports 2018 Asia Pacific Airport Recognition Program for its extensive green landscaping (971 hectares of natural greenery), its reduction of carbon emissions, natural lighting, wastewater reuse program, rainwater harvesting program and composting of food waste. Just to name a few.

Regarding the travel experience, there is free Wi-Fi, on-demand movies, daycare, spa, luggage storage and several dining and shopping options.

Like most of the busiest airports in India, Rajiv Gandhi has ambitious plans to expand its main terminal, add a landing strip, integrate rail transit links and even unveil the largest mega convention center in India, all from here 2022.

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad

The Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Indian International Airport, gateway to Gujarat.

The Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Indian International Airport, gateway to Gujarat.

Alamy

pbadengers 11.1 million

In northwestern India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport serves the cities of Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar in the state of Gujarat. It takes its name from Sardar Patel, a politician who was India's first Deputy Prime Minister.

Opened in 1937, the airport served as a hub for domestic transit. expanded later to operate international flights in 1991

There are currently two pbadenger terminals and, as you might have guessed, a third is expected to begin construction this year.

From the point of view of international tourists, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport offers easy access to Gujarat's many natural wonders through direct flights from several cities around the world, including London, Bangkok, Singapore and Dubai.

Cochin International Airport, Kochi

The new terminal 3 of Cochin International Airport.

The new terminal 3 of Cochin International Airport.

Preju Suresh / Shutterstock

pbadengers 10.1 million

Easily recognizable thanks to its red roof, the Cochin International Airport recently inaugurated a new international terminal last year.

Terminal 3 is modern and practical. It offers free Wi-Fi, duty free shops, restaurants, lounges and more.

In addition to all the usual brands of cosmetics and alcoholic beverages, you will also find high quality shops selling handmade scarves and local snacks from the state of Kerala.

It is also home to the great fair and exhibition center Cial, making it a popular stopover port for business travelers.

One of the most surprising attractions? The airport runs the Cial Golf Club, adjacent to the airport, which you can visit with a day pbad.

Pune International Airport

pbadengers 9 million

The Pune International Airport, one of the fastest growing airports in India, offers an alternative way to access the state of Maharashtra, located 125 km to the south -is the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport of Mumbai.

There is only one terminal serving national and international traffic, but officials would try to expand the facility to cope with the huge growth in pbadenger numbers.

Services include free Wi-Fi, duty-free shops and a variety of restaurants and lounges.

Dabolim Airport, Goa

The Dabolim Airport offers easy access to the beautiful beaches of Goa.

The Dabolim Airport offers easy access to the beautiful beaches of Goa.

Joe Ravi / Shutterstock

The pbadengers: 8.4 million

Also called Goa Airport, Dabolim Airport opened a modernized international terminal in 2013.

Six years later, the terminal still feels modern, with thoughtful details such as a large recording reception and a few leisure facilities.

Frequently operated at overcapacity, the airport will soon be joined by a new airport in Mopa, in the north, in 2020.

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