Introduction

Airports are certainly the first point of contact for an international passenger with a nation more often than not. The busiest International Airport in the World sees millions of passengers every year. Functioning as the main access points to the country, these airports are specifically designed to offer travellers a first glimpse of the nation.

In this article, different international airport list in India and their ability to create an impact on passengers is discussed. Further, this article highlights the conceptual approach used by the designers to create such phenomenal portals with International Airport name in it.

Redefining International Airports Design

While creating a first impression is important while designing terminals, there are other aspects that are to be carefully articulated like technology integration, sustainable solutions, and passenger experience. A comprehensive International Airports in India map showcases the key global gateways in the country. This article identifies 10 International World Class Airports in India that inspire young architects, redefine airport designs, and transform one’s understanding of airports. 

Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad, Telangana

Rajiv Gandhi International Airport_Nordic Office of Architecture

The fourth busiest international airport in India, the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport was designed by the Nordic Office of Architecture following their success in the competition to design the airport’s masterplan hosted in 2003 and was completed in 2008. The design of International Airport Hyderabad was way ahead of its time as the architects designed the master plan to accommodate up to 42 million passengers per year in the future when necessary.

The architects took into consideration the future urbanization prospects and growth of the city and allowed room for hassle-free expansion of the terminal without affecting the neighbouring plots or the other transport systems. Lush green outdoor areas with covered plazas dot the master plan. The airport was awarded LEED Silver-rated certification and the Airport is working towards achieving LEED gold rating reflecting the sustainable solutions implemented. The airport has bagged several awards.

The Rajiv Gandhi International Airport was identified as the Best Airport in the 15 to 25 Million Passengers Per Annum in Airport Service Quality Survey 2023 by Airports Council International and the Best Airport Staff in India & South Asia 2024 by Skytrax. 

Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi

Indira Gandhi International Airport_IGIA

Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi has three terminals. The third terminal was designed and constructed by HOK Group Inc, Larsen & Toubro, and Mott MacDonald Groups and came into operation before the 2010 Commonwealth Games. The foremost intention behind the establishment of the new terminal was to reduce the ongoing and anticipated burden on the two current terminals.

But the main conundrum was to deliver the project before the commencement of the 2010 Commonwealth Games. The architects have skillfully dealt with the problem and completed the project within an impossible period of 50 months from inception to operation. The airport boasts a 4.43 kilometer long runway in fact the longest in the country within its premises. 

Even a decade earlier, the designers made a sincere attempt to reduce the environmental impact during and post-construction of the project, and the LEED Gold-rated certification that the Indira Gandhi International Airport gained is a testimony to it. In fact, Indira Gandhi International Airport was the first to receive a LEED Gold Rating in India.

Trees were indeed cut for the realization of this project, but 10 saplings were planted for every tree that was cut and animals were relocated. Imported materials were not used and the sand that was dug up on site was used to fill the voids on-site wherever necessary to avoid wastage. Rainwater is harvested and fed into Delhi’s aquifer. The project is as sustainable as any other project that enjoyed a reasonable time frame for its completion. 

Dabolim International Airport, Dabolim, Goa

Dabolim International Airport_ Creative Group

Goa, beaches, water and waves! Inseparable isn’t it. Suitably the Dabolim International Airport in Goa is designed by Creative Group to resemble ‘the wave’. Dissecting the form of the airport from the side facade is a semi-circle rising from the ground adjoined by another quarter of a circle left free-flowing as the roof overhang.

The curved glass facades complemented by a solid roof and the trellised free-flowing overhang of the roof on one end add to the modern sleek look of the airport. According to the architects, the wave serves as a representation of both the geographical closeness to the sea and the liberty that Goa provides to its tourists, while also reflecting the aspirations of the nation to transform into an intensive economic and technological leader in the international market.

The Goa International Airport was given the Outstanding Concrete Structure Award at ICI Ultratech Award 2014. The International Airport Road provides easy access to the city’s major hubs and transport links. The busiest international airport in India connects the country to major destinations worldwide.

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata, West Bengal

Netaji Subas Chandra Bose International Airport_telegraphindia

Being one of the oldest airports in India, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata was upgraded with a new terminal to accommodate the increasing number of passengers in 2013. Post construction, with 23 gates and over 100 check-in counters, the airport efficiently handles 20 million passengers per annum now.

Sikka Associates in collaboration with RMJM and landscape designers Strata designed a new L-shaped terminal with a focus on the functional efficiency and sustainability aspects of the airport. In honor of the Bengal-born Indian poet and writer Rabindranath Tagore, symbolized scripts of the legendary author adorn the airport ceilings, green landscape, and the internal courtyards of the airport.

From orientation to materials and environment-friendly solutions, all are chosen to complement the sustainable airport design. The expansive glass facade is completely shaded by the roof overhangs and the facade itself acts as a ventilated double wall letting the heat escape from the building. The interiors of the airport are naturally well-lit by the north-facing skylights and the internal courtyards.

Further, the roof collects rainwater which is stored and reused in the washrooms and for irrigation. Airports Council International recognized the International Airport Kolkata i.e., Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport as the Best Improved Airport in the Asia-Pacific region in 2014 and 2015 post construction of the new terminal and as the Best Airport by Hygiene Measures in the Asia-Pacific in 2020.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai, Maharashtra

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai_SOM 

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) is inevitable while identifying the top aviation infrastructures in India. Terminal 2 of the airport is designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill as an international and domestic terminal utilizing the same runway as Hafeez Contractor’s Santa Cruz Airport.

Beyond its structural integrity and aesthetics, it is a well-functioning airport and the second-busiest airport in India. The white coffered mesmerizing ceiling is the charm of the whole airport and an important conceptual element in the design complemented by mushroom columns, altogether inspired by the teardrop-shaped eye of the national bird, the peacock. 

Mumbai airport renamed Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport: Suresh Prabhu

Besides being an airport in full swing, it also serves as an exhibition center celebrating arts and culture featuring over 6000 artworks in a linear manner spread over 3 kilometers in length. The Airport Council International awarded the airport Level 3+ Carbon Neutrality certification in 2017 and IGBC rated the airport with Platinum status acknowledging its sustainable solutions and minimal environmental footprint.

This Airport of Mumbai has bagged many prestigious awards at various events for its excellent design and efficient functioning since its opening. Mumbai’s International Airport Terminal 3 is known for its state-of-the-art facilities and world-class services. Recently, the airport was announced as the ‘Best Airport over 40 Million Passengers in Asia-Pacific’ at the 2023 Airport Service Quality Awards. 

Chennai International Airport, Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Chennai International Airport_Creative Group

The International Airport Chennai, designed by the Creative Group is not only one of the busiest airports in India but also is one of the largest terminals in Asia nearly spread over a massive 100 acres. It’s obvious that airports signify flight in the air and thus the Creative group developed the airport inspired by birds’ wings.

 Subsequent to the conceptual approach, the roof of the airport was designed as twin-curved roofs punctured by circular skylights resembling bird wings while the exposed ceiling and hot bent circular sections used attributed to a postmodern and high-tech look of the airport. The airport is designed as an intermodal hub that connects the domestic and international terminal of the airport with the metro station, railway station, and bus stand facilitating the arrival and departure of passengers.

Times OOH Wins Advertising Rights For Chennai International Airport – Times OOH

Further, the airport is a bouquet airport with short walking distances and free of visual hindrances. The airport caters to sustainability needs with the incorporation of vertical gardens with over 40 varieties of plants worth 400 million Indian rupees, restoration of native landscapes, passive energy conservation strategies, material selection, and onsite water treatment.

The airport has bagged many awards including the Best Infrastructure Project of the Year, Tamil Nadu in Ultratech Award 2012, Award of Appreciation for Structural Steel in Design and Construction in INSDAG 2013, Special Mention Award in Engineering Watch 2013, and Best Infrastructure Project of the Year in AICA Asia Fest 2014. 

Tiruchirappalli International Airport, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu

Tiruchirappalli International Airport_Pascall+Watson Architects

Tiruchirappalli International Airport located in Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu designed by Pascall+Watson Architects was recently inaugurated by the nation’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The design of this new terminal is quite groundbreaking in terms of its concept approach, drawing inspiration from the local heritage and customs.

Though a high-tech structure, especially the roof acts as the face of the airport to the common public, the conceptual idea behind the airport design is rooted in the age-old culture of the city. The architects have derived the form of the airport roof from the temple ‘gopuram’ of the city. The design elements of the airport, the form, the geometry, the color, and the texture all embody Tiruchirappalli’s rich heritage, traditions, and culture. 

The airport holds a GRIHA Four Star rating due to plenty of sustainable design solutions that are seamlessly integrated into the airport structure including rainwater harvesting systems, ground-source heat pumps, and photovoltaic panels. Pascal+Watson set a new standard in airport architecture by prioritizing local culture in addition to embodying sustainability and exploring contemporary technological innovations in Tiruchirappalli Airport Design.

This wholesome project was shortlisted for the 2018 ‘World Architecture News Awards in the Transport – Future Projects category’ reflecting its innovative approach to designing aviation infrastructure. 

Tirupati International Airport, Renigunta, Andhra Pradesh

Tirupathi International Airport_thehansindia

Tirupati with spirituality in the air is famous for its religious significance, sacred sites, and the Hindu shrine, Shri Venkateswara Temple in Tirumala which is the second wealthiest temple in the world. This Airport of Tirupati is situated only 39 kilometers from the Tirumala temple certainly plays an important role in facilitating the journey of the pilgrims. 

Interestingly the proximity to the temple and purpose of the airport in ensuring a smooth pilgrimage experience, the conceptual design of the airport was highly affected by the cultural heritage and holy aura of the city. Aadharshila Designs Pvt. Ltd. (ADPL) bagged the contract after their design proposal that was submitted to the international Design competition was subjected to scrutiny and finally selected.

The main inspiration behind the unique form of the airport is the holy ‘Garuda’, an eagle who is the carrier of Lord Vishnu, the prime deity in Tirumala, Tirupati. The front facade of the airport clearly resembles an eagle in flight though maintaining its high-tech look with modern materials in use. The airport holds a GRIHA 4-Star rating certificate and ISO Certification For Health And Hygiene Practices. The Tirupati International Airport has earned the Best Tourist Friendly Airport award under the category of State Annual Excellence Awards for the year 2015-16 given by Andhra Pradesh Tourism.

Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh

Maharishi Valmiki International Airport_Noughts & Crosses LLP

Ayodhya, the scared city has hit the headlines in recent times for various reasons. The holy city has a rich religious heritage, mythological significance, and spiritual aura. The Maharishi Valmiki International Airport in Ayodhya intending to cater to the needs of the pilgrims visiting Ayodhya was designed by Sthapati such that it embodies and reflects the holy epic ‘Ramyana’ that is believed to have started in the holy city of Ayodhya.

From the ‘Toran Dwars’ to ‘Stepped Shikars’, the form of the terminal, the geometry of the columns, and the materials used all reflect the architect’s respect for the context that which the airport is situated. This Airport lets the passengers travel back in time and experience Ayodhya before entering the city and cherish the memories before leaving Ayodhya.

The Airports in Uttar Pradesh certainly pays homage to the rich past that Ayodhya has seen. Unlike other airports discussed so far, Maharishi Valmiki International Airport embodies the Indian spirit which is clearly visible and could be experienced by even the common public. 

Toran Dwars_Noughts & Crosses LLP

In terms of sustainability, the architects have paid attention to minimizing carbon footprint by using environmentally friendly Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete (GRC) to craft ornamental work resembling traditional Indian arts, crafts, and architecture. The airport has achieved a GRIHA four-star rating due to the incorporation of several sustainable solutions. The airport achieves a precise balance between contemporary design and context-based design and has paved the way for a new model of airports. 

Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru, Karnataka (Terminal 2) 

Kempegowda International Airport Interiors_Ar. Ekansh Goel Studio Recall

The recently inaugurated International Airports Bangalore has definitely broken the preconceived notions, known definitions, and existing designs of airports. Kempegowda International Airport in Bangaluru is a state-of-the-art facility that provokes one to rethink aviation infrastructure and airport designs, relieving airports from post-modern high-tech looks yet fully exploring the technological advancements of the era. Unlike the other airports that concentrated on the form, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, and Enter Projects Asia prioritized the user experience in the Kempegowda International Airport.

The airport intends to create a completely different experience for the passengers closer to nature and rooted in Karnataka’s traditions and culture. Hence the roof which is usually the gem of other airports, lies flat and seeks limited attention in the case of Bangalore’s Airport. All the attention is shifted to interiors, with warm engineered bamboo, bamboo-clad steel columns, brick cladding, glass skylights, natural lighting, indoor plants, outdoor plants, gardens, lagoons, bridges and walkways, bamboo pavilions, and pods. 

Kempegowda International Airport Flat Roof_Ar.Ekansh Goel Studio Recall

The terminal employs several environmentally friendly techniques to improve sustainability including extensive solar shading, intelligent building systems, and renewable materials. The terminal is planned to entirely operate on renewable energy, reuse rainwater collected across various points in the airport and the irrigation for the extensive planting is to be acquired from the airport. Further the high rainwater storage capacity of the airport, around 1700 kilo-liters of water, has helped Devanahalli transform into a city with sufficient water from a city that suffers due to lack of water. 

Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru_Ar.Ekansh Goel Studio Recall

Awards and accolades poured in for this stunning architectural masterpiece. IGBC awarded the Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru a platinum certification for its sophisticated sustainable solutions and environmentally friendly design. It is worth noting that even before commencing operations, Terminal 2 of the this Airport has been certified as a LEED Platinum building by the US Green Building Council and Kempegowda’s Terminal 2 is the largest terminal in the world to get pre-certified. 

FAQ

Q. What does an international airport code represent?
A. It is an unique identifier used to distinguish different airports worldwide, typically consisting of three letters.

Q. What is the use of international airport lounge access credit cards?
A. These cards provide cardholders with entry to exclusive lounges, offering comfort, refreshments, and other amenities while traveling.

Q. Which are the international airports in India?
A. Major international airports in India include Indira Gandhi International Airport (Delhi), Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (Mumbai), Kempegowda International Airport (Bangalore), and others.

Q. Can international airports have multiple terminals?
A. Yes, many of them have multiple terminals to manage large volumes of passengers and different airline services.

Q. How many international airports are there in Uttar Pradesh (UP)?
A. Uttar Pradesh currently has three operational international airports: Chaudhary Charan Singh Airport (Lucknow), Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (Varanasi), and Kushinagar Airport.

Q. How many international airports are there in Maharashtra?
A. Maharashtra has three international airports: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (Mumbai), Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport (Nagpur), and Pune International Airport.