India airport capacity tops 580m passengers, widening travel-retail runway
Indian airports now have annual passenger-handling capacity of more than 580 million, while about 420 million passengers were handled in 2025-26. Fourteen of 25 approved greenfield airports are operational, expanding potential airport retail catchments.
India’s airport passenger-handling capacity has risen above 580 million annually, versus about 420 million passengers handled in 2025-26. The government said 14 of 25 approved greenfield airports are operational, supporting a larger airport retail and travel-consumer market.
Why this matters
The capacity expansion follows AAI-linked signals on 16% June air-freight growth and plans to potentially sell 26% stakes in Delhi and Mumbai airports from FY27.
Footfall is steady, with 565 related signals recorded in the past 90 days.