Delhi Airport reaches milestone with connections to over 150 global destinations

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Delhi Airport reaches milestone with connections to over 150 global destinations

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Airbus A380 | Airbus

By Sky Industry News

Dec 19, 2024

India's busiest airport, located in New Delhi, has achieved a significant milestone by connecting with 150 destinations. This achievement marks the first time any airport in India has reached such a number of connections. As the main hub for several major Indian airlines, Delhi Airport aims to strengthen its position as a key regional hub by attracting new airlines and routes.

New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) recently added Bangkok’s Don Mueang airport as its 150th destination, following the launch of Thai AirAsia X flights. A representative from Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), which manages DEL, stated to the Hindustan Times: “On Sunday, Thai AirAsia X launched direct flights between Delhi and Bangkok-Don Mueang (DMK), marking the 150th destination connected to Delhi airport. The route will operate with Airbus A330 aircraft at a 2x weekly frequency, increasing to 4x weekly by mid-January 2025.”

Delhi overtook Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport around 2008-09 and has since expanded significantly in terms of infrastructure and flight operations. Two major Indian airlines, IndiGo and Air India, have their primary bases at DEL, contributing greatly to its extensive network.

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The DIAL spokesperson highlighted that “Of all the long-haul destinations from India, 88% are connected from Delhi and 56% of all long-haul weekly flights departing from India operate from Delhi. Around 42% long-haul passengers from India chose Delhi airport as their gateway.”

Both Air India and India's aviation ministry aim to establish hub airports within the country, with DEL being a leading candidate due to a substantial increase in transfer passengers over the past decade. Aviation expert Aneya Joshi noted: “Six airlines offer services on domestic routes, with IndiGo leading the pack by offering services to 69 of these 75. Air India follows with 36 destinations.” He further detailed that “Of the 70 international destinations from Delhi...Air India offers the maximum spread out of Delhi.”

Looking ahead, Noida International Airport is set to become a secondary facility serving New Delhi's greater area. Overseen by Yamuna International Airport Private Limited (YIAPL), this project will initially feature one runway and terminal capable of handling up to twelve million passengers annually.