/press-releases

  • Delhi Airport becomes the only airport in India to offer direct connectivity to 32 of the country's 36 States and Union Territories, reinforcing its position as India's largest and most comprehensive domestic aviation hub.
  • Non-stop connectivity now extends to 27 States and 5 Union Territories, supported by over 1,050 daily domestic flights and more than 5 million monthly domestic passengers

New Delhi, August 4, 2026: GMR AERO-led Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) has further strengthened its position as India's largest and most connected domestic aviation hub with the commencement of direct scheduled flights between Delhi and Daman. Operated by Alliance Air, the new service expands Delhi Airport's domestic network to 90 destinations, including the seasonal winter destinations of Khajuraho and Jaisalmer.

With the addition of Daman, Delhi Airport has become the only airport in India to provide direct connectivity to 32 of the country's 36 States and Union Territories, spanning 27 States and five Union Territories. This unmatched network further reinforces Delhi Airport's role as India's premier aviation gateway, providing seamless access to virtually every region of the country through a single hub.

The launch of the Delhi–Daman service is strategically significant as it strengthens connectivity to the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu while advancing the Government of India's vision of enhancing regional air connectivity. The route improves accessibility for citizens, businesses and tourists, integrating Daman more closely into the national aviation network.

As India's largest domestic and international transfer hub, Delhi Airport enables passengers from across India and overseas to conveniently access Daman through seamless onward connections. The new service is expected to support tourism by improving access to Daman's beaches, Portuguese heritage and growing hospitality sector, while also facilitating business travel to one of western India's important manufacturing centres, known for pharmaceuticals, chemicals, plastics, textiles and engineering industries.

Commenting on the expansion, Mr. Pradeep Panicker, CEO, Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), said: "The launch of direct flights to Daman marks another significant milestone in Delhi Airport's journey towards strengthening domestic air connectivity across India. Reaching 90 domestic destinations—and becoming the only airport in the country to provide direct connectivity to 32 of India's 36 States and Union Territories—reflects our continued commitment to enhancing accessibility, supporting regional economic growth and providing passengers with a wider range of travel options. As India's premier aviation hub, Delhi Airport will continue working closely with our airline partners to further expand connectivity and deliver a seamless travel experience."

Delhi Airport today serves 90 domestic destinations—the highest among all airports in India—supported by more than 1,050 daily domestic flight movements and over 5 million domestic passengers every month, including approximately 1 million domestic-to-domestic transfer passengers. This extensive network continues to strengthen business travel, tourism, regional connectivity and economic growth while reinforcing Delhi Airport's position as India's preferred domestic aviation gateway.

Among Indian states, Maharashtra is the best connected from Delhi, with direct flights to seven destinations, followed by Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, each connected to six destinations. The airport's unmatched domestic reach and transfer connectivity continue to make it the country's most comprehensive aviation hub, offering unparalleled access for travellers across India.

Scheduled domestic services from Delhi Airport are currently operated by Air India, Air India Express, IndiGo, Akasa Air, SpiceJet and Alliance Air, providing passengers with extensive connectivity across the country.

The continued expansion of Delhi Airport's domestic network reflects DIAL's commitment to supporting the Government of India's vision of strengthening regional connectivity, promoting balanced economic development and making air travel more accessible. By connecting more destinations than any other airport in the country, Delhi Airport continues to serve as the preferred gateway linking people, businesses and opportunities across India.

About GMR Airports Limited (Formerly GMR Airports Infrastructure Limited)

GMR Airports Limited (GAL) is a leading global airport platform company with over two decades of experience in designing, constructing, and operating world-class sustainable airports. Under the brand name “GMR AERO”, it offers pioneering aviation solutions in retail, aero services, and real estate. Groupe ADP joined the journey in 2020 as a strategic partner and is now a co-promoter in GAL.

As a platform business, GAL also provides a range of aero services including Duty Free, Retail, F&B, Cargo, Car Parking, O&M, and PMC services. Through its innovative Aerotropolis concept, it develops cutting-edge airport cities giving shape to best-in-class real estate developments in South Asia. GAL operates India's largest third-party Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility through its subsidiary, GMR Air Cargo and Aerospace Engineering Limited ensuring operational excellence across the Asia Pacific region.

GMR Innovex, a GMR Group entity, is developing and introducing a range of digital solutions to enhance the passenger journey and airport experience. Through GMR Aero Academy and GMR School of Aviation, the company is creating the talent pool necessary to drive the growth of the aviation sector in India (the third largest in the world).

As the largest private airport operator in Asia and the second-largest globally, GAL served over 121 million passengers in FY26 with a steadfast commitment to excellence in airport management as reflected in its consistent rankings for services by ACI and Skytrax. With a robust presence in India and Southeast Asia, the company operates key gateways such as Delhi, Hyderabad, Goa, and Medan airports, while extending its technical services to Mactan Cebu International Airport in the Philippines. GAL is also developing transformative projects like the greenfield airports in Bhogapuram (Visakhapatnam), India, and Crete, Greece.

GMR Group, the promoter of GAL has a significant presence in Energy, Transportation, Urban Infrastructure, and Sports. Through its CSR arm, GMR Varalakshmi Foundation, GMR supports local communities, reflecting its commitment to improving quality of life by enhancing skills, providing education, and developing healthcare infrastructure and services.

Groupe ADP develops and manages airports, including Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Paris-Orly, and Paris-Le Bourget. In 2025, the group handled through its brand Paris Aéroport 107 million passengers at Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Paris-Orly, and nearly 379 million passengers in airports in France and abroad. Boasting an exceptional geographic location and a major catchment area, the Group is pursuing its strategy of adapting and modernizing its terminal facilities and upgrading the quality of services; the group also intends to develop its retail and real estate businesses. In 2025, group revenue stood at €6,704 million and net income at €382 million.

For further information about GMR Group, visit http://www.gmrgroup.com

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For Further Information, please contact:

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