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Delhi International Airport handled 7.5 million domestic-to-international transfer passengers during FY2025-26, reinforcing its position as India's largest aviation hub. Airport operator Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) attributed the growth to expanded airline connectivity, integrated terminal operations and improved transfer infrastructure. Domestic transfers remained the largest segment, while international connecting traffic also increased steadily. The figures highlight Delhi Airport's growing role in strengthening India's aviation infrastructure, regional connectivity and international passenger transit network.
Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) has reported that Delhi Airport handled 7.5 million domestic-to-international transfer passengers during FY2025-26, underlining its growing role as India's largest aviation hub. The milestone, announced in the past week, reflects increasing passenger movement through the airport's integrated network and highlights the importance of seamless connectivity in supporting India's expanding aviation infrastructure.
According to DIAL, transfer traffic has grown steadily as airlines continue to expand domestic and international networks through Delhi. The airport's operational model enables passengers to connect efficiently between domestic and overseas flights, reducing travel time and improving network connectivity. The airport operator stated that strengthened airline partnerships, integrated terminal operations and passenger-focused infrastructure have collectively contributed to the sustained rise in transfer volumes.
Data released by the airport operator showed that domestic-to-domestic transfers remained the largest contributor to overall transfer traffic, accounting for 61% of connecting passengers. Key domestic transfer routes included Pune–Delhi–Srinagar, Srinagar–Delhi–Pune and Kolkata–Delhi–Srinagar, reflecting Delhi Airport's role in linking metropolitan centres with tourism destinations and regional markets. International transfer traffic also expanded, supported by routes such as Ahmedabad–Delhi–Toronto, Phuket–Delhi–London Heathrow, Dubai–Delhi–Patna and Kathmandu–Delhi–Tokyo.
During May 2026 alone, Delhi Airport handled approximately 1.9 million transfer passengers, representing 27% of its total passenger traffic of 7.14 million. This marked an increase from April, when transfer passengers accounted for 23% of overall traffic. On average, the airport facilitated nearly 56,000 transfer passengers every day, demonstrating continued growth in hub operations. DIAL noted that more than one in every four passengers travelling through Delhi Airport is now a transfer passenger.
DIAL Chief Executive Officer Pradeep Panicker stated that the steady increase in transfer traffic reflected the confidence airlines and passengers place in Delhi Airport's operational efficiency, connectivity and passenger experience. He added that, despite challenges facing the aviation sector, including geopolitical developments and elevated aviation turbine fuel costs, the airport operator continues to work with domestic and international carriers to strengthen route networks and improve transfer connectivity.
The growth in transfer traffic comes as Delhi Airport continues to implement infrastructure measures aimed at enhancing passenger movement, including plans for expanded airside transfer facilities between terminals. These initiatives form part of broader efforts to increase operational efficiency, improve capacity utilisation and reinforce Delhi's position as a key gateway connecting India's domestic aviation network with international destinations.
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