The global aviation industry is experiencing a strong recovery, with passenger traffic surpassing pre-pandemic levels. According to the Airports Council International (ACI) World report, worldwide passenger numbers are forecast to reach 9.9 billion in 2025, representing a 4.8% increase over the previous year.
In 2024, around 9.5 billion passengers traveled by air globally, marking a 3.8% rise compared to 2019 and a 9% increase from 2023. The United States continues to dominate the air travel sector, hosting five of the world’s top ten busiest airports.
Leading the list is Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) in the United States, which handled over 108 million passengers last year, maintaining its position as the busiest airport worldwide. Dubai International Airport (DXB) in the United Arab Emirates follows in second place with more than 92 million passengers.
Japan’s Tokyo Haneda Airport ranks fourth with nearly 86 million passengers, while London Heathrow Airport stands fifth with almost 84 million. Other airports in the top ten include Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (87.8 million passengers), Denver International Airport (82.4 million), Istanbul Airport (80 million), and Chicago O’Hare International Airport (80 million).
A significant highlight is New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), which has risen to ninth place globally, handling close to 78 million passengers in 2024. This marks it as the busiest airport in India, surpassing Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM), which recorded approximately 52.8 million passengers the same year.
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) in China also made notable gains, moving from 21st place in 2023 to 10th in 2024. This leap is credited to expanded visa policies, increased international flights, operational improvements, and a revival in the Asia-Pacific travel market.
Since 2019, Indira Gandhi International Airport has experienced significant growth, driven by airline expansions, enhanced infrastructure, and improved global connectivity. These advancements led to its recognition as the Best Airport in India and South Asia in the 2025 Skytrax Best Airport Rankings.
This rise reflects India’s growing prominence in global aviation as passenger numbers continue to surge worldwide.
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