One in Every Four Pax at Delhi Airport is a Transfer Passenger
Delhi reinforces its position as India's largest aviation hub
GMR Airports Ltd-led Delhi Airport, India's busiest airport and gateway to the nation, has further strengthened its position as the country's largest aviation hub, with more than one in every four passengers transiting through the airport.
In May 2026, Delhi Airport handled approximately 1.9 million transfer passengers, accounting for 27% of the airport’s total traffic of 7.14 million, marking a notable rise from April 2026, when transfer passenger volumes stood at 1.54 million (23%). The upward trend is even more pronounced year-on-year, with the share of transfer passengers increasing from around 20% in May 2025 to 27% in May 2026.
On an average, Delhi Airport facilitates nearly 56,000 transfer passengers every day, highlighting its growing role as a preferred transit gateway connecting destinations across India and the world.
The increase in transfer traffic reflects the strength of Delhi Airport's extensive route network, robust airline partnerships, integrated terminal operations and passenger-centric infrastructure, which together enable seamless connectivity for domestic and international travellers.
Domestic-to-Domestic (D-D) transfers continue to be the largest contributor, accounting for 61% of total transfer traffic, underscoring Delhi Airport's critical role in connecting metropolitan cities with emerging economic centres, tourism destinations and regions across the country. Popular transfer routes include Pune–Delhi–Srinagar, Srinagar–Delhi–Pune and Kolkata–Delhi–Srinagar.
Delhi Airport is also witnessing strong growth in international transfer traffic, with key transit flows on routes such as Ahmedabad–Delhi–Toronto, Phuket-Delhi-London Heathrow, Dubai–Delhi–Patna and Kathmandu–Delhi–Tokyo. This highlights the airport's increasing importance as a strategic gateway linking South Asia with major destinations across North America, Europe, the Middle East and the Asia-Pacific region.
The airport's hub ecosystem is further strengthened by leading airline partners, with IndiGo, Air India and Air India Express accounting for a substantial share of transfer traffic through Delhi.
Commenting on the development, Mr. Pradeep Panicker, Chief Executive Officer, Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), said: "The steady growth in transfer passenger traffic is a strong endorsement of Delhi Airport's position as India's leading aviation hub. Today, more than one in every four passengers travelling through Delhi Airport is a transit passenger, reflecting the confidence that airlines and travellers place in our connectivity, operational efficiency and seamless travel experience.
With India emerging as one of the fastest-growing aviation markets globally, Delhi Airport is uniquely positioned to serve as a key gateway connecting domestic and international networks. Even as we navigate a turbulent aviation environment marked by the Middle East crisis and high ATF prices; DIAL continues to work closely with both domestic and international carriers to strengthen connectivity, align networks, benefit transfer passengers, and sustain its position as one of the largest transfer hubs in the region. We remain committed to enhancing passenger convenience, expanding connectivity, and building future-ready infrastructure that supports India’s aspirations of becoming a global aviation powerhouse. "
Delhi Airport continues to play a pivotal role in strengthening India's aviation ecosystem by enabling efficient passenger movement, supporting airline network growth and facilitating greater connectivity between India and the world.
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.
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