Delhi's Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first airport in India to connect directly to 150 destinations, both domestic and international. This expansion underscores the airport's burgeoning role as a key aviation hub in South Asia. The latest addition to this impressive tally is the direct flight service from Delhi to Bangkok's Don Mueang Airport (DMK) by Thai AirAsia X, which commenced operations on Sunday, marking the 150th destination.
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The new route to Bangkok-Don Mueang will initially operate twice weekly using Airbus A330 aircraft, with plans to increase to four flights per week by mid-January 2025. This connectivity boost is part of a broader strategy by Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) to enhance its network, which has seen the addition of more than 20 exclusive international destinations in recent years, including cities like Phnom Penh, Bali Denpasar, Calgary, Montreal, Vancouver, Washington Dulles, Chicago O'Hare, and Tokyo Haneda.
Delhi Airport's strategic location and the ongoing induction of wide-body aircraft by Indian carriers are expected to transform it into a super-connector hub. This development is set to significantly elevate Delhi's status in the global aviation network. The airport currently handles around 1,400 flight movements daily, showcasing its capacity and operational efficiency. In terms of passenger traffic, Delhi Airport has witnessed a substantial 100% increase in transfer passengers over the last decade, fortifying its position as South Asia's premier transit hub. Approximately 88% of all long-haul destinations from India are connected via Delhi, with 56% of India's long-haul weekly flights departing from this airport. Additionally, nearly 42% of long-haul passengers from India choose Delhi as their gateway, further highlighting its critical role in long-distance travel.
This achievement not only reflects DIAL's commitment to enhancing global connectivity but also promises to offer world-class travel experiences. The CEO of DIAL, Videh Kumar Jaipuriar, emphasized that this milestone is a testament to their dedication to leading India into a new era of aviation, aiming to make Delhi Airport a first-choice hub for travelers worldwide. With its state-of-the-art infrastructure, including advanced baggage handling systems, efficient immigration processes, and luxurious lounges, Delhi Airport is well on its way to cementing its status as a leading international airport.