The Indian aviation sector witnessed a significant shift in May 2026, with several regional and secondary airports showing remarkable passenger growth percentages. This ranking of the top 10 airports underscores the rapid evolution of air connectivity across India's smaller cities, proving that growth is no longer limited to the major metropolitan centers.
Amritsar Takes the Lead
Taking the top spot in passenger growth is the Amritsar Airport in Punjab. Driven by the summer holiday influx, a surge in religious tourism, and non-resident Indians visiting family, the airport recorded an impressive 78.70% growth. In May 2026, a total of 175,594 passengers passed through the facility, compared to just 98,279 in May 2025.
Strong Performance by Jammu and Leh
Jammu Airport secured the second position with a growth rate of 74.50%. Fueled by the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage and the peak tourist season, the airport handled 120,739 passengers in May 2026, up from 68,654 in the same month last year. Sharing the second spot is Leh Airport, which also achieved 74.50% growth. A significant tourist wave saw 138,862 passengers traveling through Leh in May 2026, significantly higher than the 79,572 recorded in May 2025.
Growth at Rajkot and Rupsi
Gujarat's Rajkot Airport claimed the fourth position. Improved business activities and enhanced air connectivity contributed to its growth, with 120,881 passengers traveling in May 2026 compared to 70,709 in May 2025, marking an increase of approximately 71%. Following this is Assam's Rupsi Airport, which achieved fifth place with 67.60% growth. Although the absolute numbers are smaller—754 passengers in May 2026 against 450 in May 2025—the growth reflects the impact of regional air connectivity initiatives.
Momentum in Chandigarh and Jorhat
Chandigarh Airport demonstrated a massive jump in total passenger volume, serving as the primary hub for Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh. It recorded roughly 50% growth, with 405,759 passengers in May 2026 compared to 270,498 in May 2025. Meanwhile, Assam's Jorhat Airport benefited from the Udan scheme to achieve 47% growth, handling 14,947 passengers in May 2026, up from 10,169 in May 2025.
Diu, Bhuj, and Ambikapur
The Diu Airport recorded 45% growth, driven by an uptick in summer tourist activity, with 15,163 passengers in May 2026 compared to 10,459 in May 2025. Gujarat's Bhuj Airport maintained a place in the top 10 with 43.20% growth, processing 27,013 passengers in May 2026 versus 18,861 in May 2025. Finally, the Ambikapur Airport in Chhattisgarh emerged as a model for expanding air access in smaller towns, recording a 39.20% growth as it handled 703 passengers in May 2026, compared to 505 in May 2025.
