India's busiest airport just got busier: Delhi Airport sees 244% surge in international transfers

Delhi Airport has emerged as one of the fastest-growing preferred international transit hubs. Transfers between international flights at the airport rose by 244% in just two years, climbing from 3.88 lakh passengers in FY 2023 to 13.4 lakh in FY 2025, according to data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), as reported by GMR Aero, Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL).

This growth highlights Delhi’s rising role as a global transit gateway. According to IATA data, the airport now offers the strongest direct connectivity to North America and Europe among airports in South and Southeast Asia. Its location along the East–West corridor has helped position it as a natural stopover point for long-haul travelers.

“The exponential growth of 244% in International-to-International transfers at Delhi Airport is a strong testament to our emergence as a global transit hub. This achievement is the result of our focused efforts and commitment to providing seamless connectivity, best-in-class infrastructure, and a world-class passenger experience. Aligned with the Government of India’s strategic vision to position Delhi as a leading international transit gateway, we have been continuously working to build a hub that connects continents,” said Videh Kumar Jaipuriar, CEO of Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL).

While overall transfer traffic at Delhi Airport rose by 30.6% to reach 2.03 crore passengers in FY 2025, international-to-international transfers far outpaced that trend. Domestic-to-domestic transfers also recorded steady growth, rising to 1.05 crore passengers, up 15.9% from FY 2023.

Airline expansion has also played a critical role in this surge. IndiGo’s new services linking Bangkok and Phuket with Almaty, Tashkent, Tbilisi and Baku spurred nearly 500% growth in transfers on the Central Asia-Thailand corridor.

With Air India and IndiGo expected to add more wide-body aircraft and routes, the surge is set to continue.


Enhanced facilities for transit passengers at the airport
Delhi Airport has strengthened its transit infrastructure to meet the growing demand for international and domestic transfers.

• Specialized I-to-I transit zone: The airport’s focus on passenger-centric services has expanded under its Phase 3A project. The expansion has doubled the international-to-international (I-to-I) transfer area. Additional frisking booths, X-ray machines, food and beverage outlets, and retail shops have been added for faster and smoother processing.
• Transfer & meet-and-assist services: Dedicated transit desks, buggy services at Terminal 3, porter support, and optional lounge access provide convenience for passengers making onward connections.
• Transit lounge & nap/shower facilities: At Terminal 3 arrivals airside, lounges such as Encalm Privé allow travellers to take power naps, freshen up with showers, and enjoy refreshments.
• Transit hotel: The Holiday Inn Express, located in Terminal 3’s International wing, offers overnight stays with blackout shades, mini-bar, controlled temperature, TV, and bedding facilities for passengers on long layovers.
• 360° virtual navigation & wayfinding: Passengers can access real-image terminal maps using QR codes at Terminals 1 and 3. These guide travelers to transfer desks, boarding gates, and baggage claim areas.
• Metro & inter-terminal connectivity: The Airport Express (Orange Line) and Magenta Line connect terminals with central Delhi. Metro stations at Terminal 3, Aerocity, and Terminal 1 offer fast transit options. Free shuttle buses also run every 10 minutes between terminals.
• Passenger experience enhancements: The “DEL Vibes” programme at Terminal 3 showcases live classical music, dance, and crafts daily between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Biometric kiosks for e-visa holders and distinct color-coded signage further simplify the transfer experience.

What makes Delhi Airport a preferred transit hub
Delhi Airport has recorded a 244% increase in I-to-I transfers, highlighting its growing role as a reliable connecting hub. This growth is backed by an expanding network of international routes, strong airline partnerships, and integrated passenger services.

With connectivity to around 150 destinations worldwide, Delhi Airport is the only Indian airport ranked among the top 10 hub airports in the Asia-Pacific and Middle East region, according to Airports Council International Asia-Pacific & Middle East (ACI APAC & MID) in its 2024 Air Connectivity Ranking.