Air travel in India has grown at a phenomenal rate, more than tripling from 6% to 20% per annum in less than a decade. The increased traffic at the country’s airports has required massive upgrade works to be undertaken, with the significant input of private sector companies.
India is now well on the way to having some much improved, glossy new airport terminals. However, this hasn’t been with without major inconvenience to passengers. In addition, congested runways at many airports add to flight delays.
Here’s a summary of the state of India’s major airports.
Mumbai Chattrapathi Shivaji International Airport
www.flickr.com user Captain Catan
Mumbai airport is the main entry point to India and handles 25 million passengers a year. It was leased to a private operator in 2006 and is undergoing major renovation and upgrade. A new domestic terminal has been opened, and extensive works are being carried out in the international terminal.
Travel Time to the City: One to two hours, depending on the traffic.
Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport
www.flickr.com user _Gene_
Delhi airport is India's second busiest airport but is expected to grow to be the busiest by 2010. Currently, it handles around 20 million passengers a year. The airport was leased to a private operator in 2006, and is also going through major renovations and upgrade. Renovation of the international terminal is complete, with much improved facilities. A new domestic terminal is expected to become operational in 2009, and a huge third terminal (the second largest in Asia) is planned to be built by 2010.
Travel Time to the City: 45 minutes to one hour, during normal traffic. The road to the airport becomes very congested during peak hours.
Bangalore Bengaluru International Airport
www.flickr.com user vm2827
Bangalore is the third busiest airport in India, with over 10 million passengers a year. The airport is brand new and has been constructed by a private company. It opened in May 2008.
Travel Time to the City: One to two hours, depending on the traffic.
Hyderabad Rajiv Gandhi International Airport
www.flickr.com user Just started to learn / reCreation
Hyderabad airport is brand new and opened in mid March 2008. It's operated by a private company and handles around 7 million passengers a year. The airport is excellent with world class facilities, including "in line" baggage screening machines, plenty of check-in and immigration counters to prevent delays, and good crowd control.
Travel Time to the City: One to two hours, depending on the traffic.
Chennai International Airport
www.flickr.com user Himmat Rathore
Chennai airport is the main hub for arrivals and departures in south India. It handles around 8 million passengers a year, over half of which are flying domestically. The airport is operated by the Indian government and its condition is basic but satisfactory. An extensive upgrade is planned to be carried out by 2011.
Travel Time to the City: 20-30 minutes.
Kolkata Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport
www.flickr.com user mikecogh
Kolkata airport is very small and handles around 5 million passengers annually. It's an international airport but over 75% of its passengers are domestic travelers. The airport is operated by the Indian government and gives the impression that it's stuck in a time warp. It's outdated and lacks passenger amenities. Fortunately, the airport is planned to be upgraded by 2011.
Travel Time to the City: 45 minutes to 1 hour.
