Airports in India: Your Guide to Major Hubs, Domestic Routes, and Travel Tips

When you think about airports in India, the major gateways that connect millions of travelers across the country each year. Also known as Indian aviation hubs, these facilities aren’t just concrete runways—they’re the starting point for everything from quick business trips to once-in-a-lifetime vacations. India has over 150 airports, but only a handful handle the bulk of passenger traffic. The real action happens at a few key players: Indira Gandhi International Airport, the busiest airport in India, located in Delhi and serving as the main international and domestic gateway for northern India, and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai’s primary airport, known for its high volume of domestic flights and connections to major global cities. These aren’t just names on a map—they’re the engines of India’s travel economy.

If you’ve ever tried to catch a flight from Bangalore to Goa, or Hyderabad to Kolkata, you know how fast domestic travel has grown. Airlines like IndiGo, Akasa Air, and Vistara now operate hundreds of daily flights between smaller cities that didn’t even have regular service a decade ago. You can fly from Lucknow to Tirupati, or Coimbatore to Patna, with prices often cheaper than a train ticket in first class. That’s why knowing which airport you’re flying into—or out of—matters more than ever. Some terminals, like Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International, are modern and easy to navigate. Others, like those in smaller towns, still feel like they’re stuck in the 90s. And don’t get started on delays. Monsoon season, air traffic congestion, and last-minute gate changes are part of the routine. But here’s the good news: most travelers figure it out. You just need to know what to expect.

What you’ll find below are real traveler experiences tied to airports in India. You’ll read about how to beat the crowds at Delhi’s Terminal 3, why Chennai’s airport is surprisingly quiet, and which terminals have decent food options that won’t cost you half your daily budget. There are tips on navigating security lines, where to find reliable Wi-Fi, and which airports actually have decent lounges you can access without a first-class ticket. These aren’t generic guides. They’re stories from people who’ve been stuck in long queues, missed connections, or found a hidden café that saved their trip. Whether you’re flying for the first time or you’ve been hopping between cities for years, this collection gives you the practical, no-fluff truth about airports in India.