Amritsar, February 6, 2025, (Yes Punjab News)
Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport in Amritsar, Punjab, has reached a historic milestone, breaking multiple previous records for passenger footfall. Sameep Singh Gumtala, Global Convener of the FlyAmritsar Initiative, a global advocacy group dedicated to promoting and enhancing connectivity at Amritsar Airport, revealed that the airport not only achieved its highest-ever monthly passenger footfall in December 2024 but also recorded unprecedented yearly traffic for the same year.
According to Gumtala, an analysis of recent data released by the Airport Authority of India (AAI) and the historical data meticulously maintained by the FlyAmritsar Initiative since 2004, reveals that the airport welcomed an astounding total of 3,40,408 (approximately 3.40 lakh) passengers in December 2024.
This figure surpasses the previous record of 3,38,712 passengers set in December 2023. The December 2024 total includes 2.29 lakh domestic passengers and a record 1.11 lakh international passengers, marking only the second time international footfall has crossed the 1-lakh mark, surpassing the previous record of 1.06 lakh international passengers.
Gumtala further highlighted another historical milestone: calendar year 2024 became the busiest year in the airport’s history, with total passenger traffic reaching 34,25,657 (approximately 34.26 lakh).
This figure surpasses the previous highest of 29,44,916 (approximately 29.4 lakh) passengers recorded in 2023. The 2024 total includes 23.12 lakh domestic and 11.14 lakh international passengers, marking the first time international traffic has crossed 10 lakhs in a calendar year.
This represents an impressive 16.3% growth compared to 2023, with international passenger numbers surging by 21.3% and domestic traffic rising by 14.1%.
“We are proud to share this milestone with the Punjabi community worldwide, which increasingly prefers to fly directly from the current 10 global destinations, including London, Birmingham, Doha, Dubai, Sharjah, Milan, Rome, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok to Amritsar, rather than transiting through Delhi or traveling by road to Punjab,” Gumtala stated.
He also noted that a significant portion of the domestic traffic comprises international passengers connecting via Delhi or Mumbai.
With rising passenger volumes, Gumtala emphasized the urgent need for infrastructure upgrades. “The airport has seen an annual increase of approximately 5 lakh passengers, and we estimate it will surpass the 40-lakh passenger mark in 2025. To support this growth, the current terminal capacity requires immediate expansion, with further upgrades planned over the next five years,” he said.
Gumtala also stressed the need for improved parking facilities and other passenger amenities. Additionally, he urged the Punjab government to introduce intercity bus services from various cities across Punjab to enhance airport accessibility.
“This growth underscores the airport’s immense potential as a regional hub for both international and domestic travel. We call on the authorities to prioritize terminal expansion and ensure the airport is equipped to handle future demand,” Gumtala concluded.
