Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA), operated by the GMR Aero-led Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), has reported an impressive 34% year-on-year increase in international transit traffic, reinforcing its standing as India’s foremost global aviation hub bridging the East and West.

Between September 2024 and August 2025, the airport handled more than 670,000 East–West–East transit passengers, compared to 498,000 during the same period the previous year, according to data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

This significant growth has been largely driven by the expanding international networks of Air India and IndiGo. Air India accounted for 67% of total East–West transfer traffic, while IndiGo contributed 25%, together representing over 90% of total international passenger traffic at Delhi Airport.

“Delhi Airport continues to strengthen India’s position on the global aviation map,” said Videh Kumar Jaipuriar, CEO of DIAL. “The sharp rise in East–West passenger flows underscores our growing relevance as a transfer hub connecting Asia and Europe. We remain focused on expanding connectivity, enhancing convenience, and offering greater choice for international travellers.”

Delhi Airport’s role as a major international gateway has been further bolstered by new and expanded routes across Asia and beyond. Air India has increased frequencies to Kuala Lumpur and Denpasar (Bali), while IndiGo has launched new daily flights to Hanoi and Guangzhou, and will commence Delhi–Krabi services in October 2025.

From January 2026, Japan Airlines will begin a daily Delhi–Tokyo Narita service, making Delhi the only Indian airport with connections to both Tokyo Haneda and Narita.

On the western front, Delhi Airport maintains the widest connectivity to the UK, commanding a 38% share of India–UK flights, with direct routes to London Heathrow, Birmingham, and Manchester. Further expanding its long-haul footprint, IndiGo will operate its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner on the Delhi–Manchester route, launching on 15 November 2025.

With its strategic location, robust route network, and state-of-the-art facilities, Delhi Airport continues to evolve as South Asia’s premier international transit hub, offering seamless connections and enhanced experiences for travellers journeying between the East and West.