Delhi Airport Sees 34% Surge in Transit Passengers Strengthening Its Position as a Global Hub
Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport recorded a 34% year-on-year increase in transit passengers between Asia and Europe, handling over 670,000 passengers from September 2024 to August 2025. This growth, driven mainly by Air India and IndiGo, boosts Delhi's standing as a key East-West transit hub, with expanding routes to Southeast Asia, Europe, and East Asia.
Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) in Delhi experienced significant growth in transit passenger traffic, marking a 34% rise between September 2024 and August 2025 compared to the previous year. Over 670,000 passengers transited through the airport on East-West routes, challenging traditional Middle Eastern hubs like Dubai and Doha. Air India and IndiGo dominate this traffic, jointly handling over 90% of these passengers. The airport has expanded its network notably in Southeast Asia with 120 weekly flights to destinations in Thailand and new long-haul services to Europe and Japan. Delhi already accounts for 38% of all India-UK flights, with Air India and IndiGo launching new Manchester routes, and Japan Airlines initiating a Delhi-Tokyo Narita daily service in January 2026. Industry experts note that Delhi’s potential as a leading international transfer hub depends on improving terminal transfers, scheduling, and airline coordination. Strengthened connectivity positions Delhi strategically as a gateway connecting Asia to Europe, contributing to its global aviation prominence and India’s growing international air travel accessibility.
