{"id":158328,"date":"2026-10-05T11:03:28","date_gmt":"2026-10-05T05:33:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/?p=158328"},"modified":"2026-10-05T11:03:32","modified_gmt":"2026-10-05T05:33:32","slug":"top-10-highest-revenue-generating-airports-in-india-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/2026\/10\/05\/top-10-highest-revenue-generating-airports-in-india-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Top 10 Highest Revenue-Generating Airports in India in 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

India’s airport sector has expanded rapidly over the past decade, with rising passenger numbers, more domestic and international routes, larger terminals, and increasing commercial activity. Airports are no longer dependent only on aircraft movements and passenger fees. Aeronautical charges, retail, food and beverage outlets, parking, advertising, cargo and other commercial activities all contribute to airport revenues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Among the country’s many airports, some have developed into particularly important revenue-generating centres. Kolkata and Chennai stand well ahead of the other airports in this particular list, while Calicut, Pune and Goa form the next group. The remaining airports are spread across northern, eastern and western India and benefit from a combination of passenger traffic, international connectivity and regional demand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Top 10 Highest Revenue-Generating Airports in India<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Based on the latest comparable Airport Authority of India revenue figures used for this ranking, these are the top 10 highest revenue-generating airports in India in 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Image: Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

1. Kolkata Airport<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata<\/a> ranks first among the airports considered, with revenue of around Rs. 1,578.61 crore. The airport is one of eastern India’s most important aviation gateways and serves a large catchment area covering Kolkata and surrounding parts of West Bengal and eastern India.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kolkata’s strong revenue performance is supported by its substantial passenger base and its position as an important international gateway. The airport handles both extensive domestic traffic and international services linking eastern India with destinations across Asia and the Middle East.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The airport’s importance has also been reinforced by infrastructure development and plans for further expansion. With passenger demand continuing to grow, Kolkata has considerable scope to increase both aviation-related and commercial revenues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Its position at the top of this list highlights the financial importance of having a large passenger base combined with international connectivity and a broad range of airport services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo- Chennai International Airport<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

2. Chennai Airport<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Chennai International Airport<\/a> ranks second with revenue of approximately Rs. 1,212.77 crore. The airport is one of India’s most important aviation hubs in the south and serves Tamil Nadu’s major industrial, commercial and tourism markets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chennai benefits from substantial domestic traffic as well as a strong international network. Its connections with Southeast Asia, the Middle East and other international markets are particularly important because Chennai is a major centre for manufacturing, technology, healthcare and business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The airport also handles significant cargo activity, adding another source of economic importance beyond passenger operations. Its large catchment area and established aviation network help sustain revenue generation throughout the year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chennai’s position is also consistent with its status as one of India’s busiest airports. In FY2025-26, it handled more than 23 million passengers, ranking fifth nationally by passenger traffic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo: By Faizvvk – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/w\/index.php?curid=102150395<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

3. Calicut Airport<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Calicut International Airport<\/a>, also known as Kozhikode Airport, ranks third with revenue of around Rs. 311.02 crore. Although its revenue is considerably lower than Kolkata and Chennai, the airport remains a significant aviation gateway for northern Kerala.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A major factor behind Calicut’s importance is its strong international passenger base. The airport serves a region with substantial overseas travel demand, particularly among passengers travelling between Kerala and Gulf countries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This international traffic gives Calicut a distinctive role within India’s airport network. Its passenger profile is closely connected with business, employment and family links between Kerala and the Middle East.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The airport’s location also makes it an important gateway for the Malabar region. Continued passenger demand and improvements to infrastructure could support further revenue growth over the longer term.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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4. Pune Airport<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Pune International Airport<\/a> ranks fourth with revenue of approximately Rs. 309.79 crore. The airport serves one of Maharashtra’s largest urban and industrial centres and benefits from the city’s expanding technology, manufacturing, education and business sectors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pune has experienced strong passenger growth in recent years. In FY2025-26, the airport handled more than 11 million passengers, representing growth over the previous financial year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The airport’s revenue potential is closely connected with Pune’s wider economic development. The city is home to major technology companies, automobile manufacturers, educational institutions and a growing business community, all of which contribute to demand for air travel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As passenger numbers increase and airport infrastructure develops, Pune has the potential to remain one of India’s most important revenue-generating airports outside the country’s largest metropolitan hubs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Photo
Manohar Airport now links Goa to 8 additional destinations”<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

5. Goa Airport<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Goa’s airport operations rank fifth with revenue of approximately Rs. 275.50 crore in the figures used for this ranking. The state is one of India’s most important leisure destinations, creating substantial seasonal demand for air travel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Goa’s airport landscape has also changed significantly following the development of Manohar International Airport at Mopa. The airport has been steadily building its passenger base and expanding its network, while Dabolim continues to serve the state as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Manohar International Airport recorded approximately 5.4 million passengers in FY2025-26, its highest annual total at the time, with passenger traffic increasing 15.2% year-on-year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tourism is naturally one of the biggest contributors to Goa’s aviation demand. Domestic holidaymakers, international tourists and seasonal visitors create a substantial passenger market, while retail, parking, food and beverage and other commercial activities provide additional revenue opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Amritsar
Photo: Airports Authority of India (AAI)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

6. Amritsar Airport<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport in Amritsar<\/a> ranks sixth with revenue of around Rs. 229.05 crore. The airport serves Punjab and has a particularly important role in connecting the region with major Indian cities and international destinations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Amritsar’s international connectivity is an important part of its revenue profile. The city has strong links with the Punjabi diaspora, particularly in countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada and parts of the Middle East.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tourism also contributes to passenger demand. Amritsar is home to the Golden Temple, one of India’s most visited religious and cultural landmarks, attracting visitors from across India and around the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The airport therefore benefits from a combination of business travel, visiting-friends-and-relatives traffic, religious tourism and international demand, giving it a strong position among India’s regional airports.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"BPI
Biju patnaik international airport https:\/\/www.eqmagpro.com\/<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

7. Bhubaneswar Airport<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar ranks seventh with revenue of approximately Rs. 188.46 crore. It serves as an important gateway to Odisha and is one of the state’s principal links with the rest of India.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bhubaneswar’s passenger demand is supported by government activity, business travel, tourism and the growing economy of Odisha. The airport also serves travellers visiting destinations such as Puri and Konark, which are important religious and tourism centres.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The airport has experienced steady passenger growth. Its strategic position in eastern India gives it an important role in connecting Odisha with metropolitan centres across the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As the state develops its industrial and tourism sectors, the airport is positioned to benefit from increased travel demand and additional commercial activity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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8. Srinagar Airport<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Srinagar International Airport<\/a> ranks eighth with revenue of around Rs. 168.33 crore. The airport serves the Kashmir Valley and is particularly important for tourism and regional connectivity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tourism is a major factor behind Srinagar’s aviation activity. The Kashmir Valley attracts visitors because of its mountains, lakes, gardens and seasonal landscapes, resulting in strong passenger demand during popular travel periods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The airport has also experienced significant passenger growth. Its traffic increased substantially in the years leading into FY2025-26, reflecting the continuing importance of air connectivity to the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Srinagar’s revenue profile is therefore closely tied to tourism, domestic travel and the wider economic activity of Jammu and Kashmir. Further terminal and infrastructure improvements could provide additional capacity as passenger numbers rise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Varanasi
Lal Bahadur Shastri International (LBSI) Airport wikipedia<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

9. Varanasi Airport<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Varanasi ranks ninth with revenue of approximately Rs. 141.97 crore. The airport serves one of India’s most important religious and cultural destinations and has become increasingly significant for both domestic and international travellers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Varanasi’s tourism industry is a major source of passenger traffic. The city attracts pilgrims, domestic tourists and international visitors throughout the year, with the Ganges, temples and historic areas forming the centre of its tourism appeal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The airport also provides connectivity to major Indian metropolitan areas and selected international destinations. Its importance has grown alongside the wider development of Varanasi’s tourism and transport infrastructure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Passenger numbers have also been rising. The airport handled around 4 million passengers in FY2025-26 according to available traffic data, showing its growing role within India’s regional airport network.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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10. Bagdogra Airport<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Bagdogra Airport completes the top 10 with revenue of around Rs. 129.97 crore. Located near Siliguri, the airport is one of the main aviation gateways to northern West Bengal and the wider northeastern region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bagdogra is particularly important for tourism because it provides access to destinations such as Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Sikkim. Travellers heading towards the Himalayan region frequently use the airport as their primary air gateway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The airport also serves local business and regional travel demand. Its strategic location gives it importance beyond the city of Siliguri itself, with passengers from neighbouring states and regions using the airport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Passenger traffic has continued to grow, with Bagdogra handling more than 3 million passengers in FY2025-26 in available traffic data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Airport Revenue Matters<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Airport revenue provides an important indication of the economic activity taking place at an airport, but it is not simply a reflection of passenger numbers. Airports can generate money through landing and parking charges, passenger-related fees, cargo, duty-free operations, retail outlets, advertising, parking and other commercial activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

International airports can have an additional advantage because international passengers often generate higher commercial spending. Airports serving major tourism destinations can also benefit from strong retail and food-and-beverage demand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The figures in this ranking are therefore useful for understanding the financial scale of these airports, but they should not be confused with passenger rankings. For example, passenger volumes can change considerably from year to year while an airport’s revenue performance may be influenced by pricing, commercial operations and the mix between domestic and international traffic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Airports Authority of India remains responsible for operating and managing a large number of airports across the country, while India’s airport sector also includes major privately operated facilities. The Ministry of Civil Aviation’s 2025 annual report lists 35 major airports under the regulatory ambit of the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority, including Chennai, Kolkata, Calicut, Pune, Goa, Amritsar, Bhubaneswar, Srinagar and Varanasi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bottom Line<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Kolkata leads this list of the highest revenue-generating airports among the 10 considered, with revenue of approximately Rs. 1,578.61 crore, followed by Chennai at Rs. 1,212.77 crore. The gap between these two airports and the rest of the list is substantial.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Calicut and Pune occupy the next two positions with revenues of around Rs. 311 crore and Rs. 309.79 crore respectively, while Goa, Amritsar and Bhubaneswar also generate significant revenue from a mixture of passenger traffic, tourism and regional demand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Srinagar, Varanasi and Bagdogra complete the list. Although their revenues are lower than those of the largest airports in the ranking, each plays an important role in connecting major tourism destinations and regional economies with the wider Indian aviation network.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With passenger numbers continuing to increase across many Indian airports and new terminals and infrastructure being developed, the revenue landscape could change considerably in the coming years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

FAQs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Which is the highest revenue-generating airport in India among these airports?<\/strong>

Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport ranks first among the 10 airports considered, with revenue of approximately Rs. 1,578.61 crore in the figures used for this ranking.<\/p> <\/div>

Which airport ranks second in revenue?<\/strong>

Chennai International Airport ranks second, with reported revenue of approximately Rs. 1,212.77 crore.<\/p> <\/div>

Which airport has the lowest revenue in this top 10?<\/strong>

Bagdogra Airport ranks tenth among the airports considered, with reported revenue of approximately Rs. 129.97 crore.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Top 10 Best Regional Airports in India & South Asia in 2026<\/a><\/blockquote>