With Nagpur airport’s passenger movement continuing to be driven overwhelmingly by domestic travellers, international connectivity remains a relatively small component of the city’s aviation traffic. The latest Airports Authority of India (AAI) data shows that nearly 97 per cent of passengers handled by the airport during 2025-26 travelled on domestic routes, while international passenger traffic declined by 7.9 per cent compared to the previous financial year. According to the data, Nagpur airport handled 30,07,734 passengers during 2025-26. Of these, 29,11,560 were domestic passengers, accounting for 96.8 per cent of the total, while 96,174 passengers travelled internationally.

 

Domestic passenger traffic recorded a 4.4 per cent increase over 2024-25. During the previous financial year, the airport had handled 27,89,651 domestic passengers. The rise indicates continued dependence on and demand for domestic air connectivity from Nagpur and the surrounding region. In contrast, the international segment witnessed a decline. International passenger traffic fell from 1,04,448 in 2024-25 to 96,174 in 2025-26, resulting in a reduction of 8,274 passengers or 7.9 per cent. The decline in international traffic comes against a backdrop of disruptions in international aviation due to US-Iran war during 2025-26, particularly in the West Asia region. AAI had reported that geopolitical tensions, airspace restrictions and cancellations affecting key Gulf hubs such as Dubai and Qatar impacted international travel from India.

 

There are fewer than one non-stop international flights departing from Nagpur Airport on an average daily basis, as direct international routes operate weekly schedule rather than daily. Doha (DOH) is operateed by Qatar Airways with four non-stop flights and Sharjah (SHJ) is operated by Air Arabia with about three non-stop flights per week. Despite the fall in international traffic, the overall passenger count at the airport increased during the year. Total passenger movement rose from 28,94,099 in 2024-25 to 30,07,734 in 2025-26, registering an overall growth of around 3.9 per cent. The monthly figures further underline the strength of domestic travel. In March 2026, Nagpur airport handled 2,62,539 domestic passengers, compared to 2,41,494 during March 2025. This represents an increase of 8.7 per cent in domestic passenger movement in the month. The figures present a clear picture of Nagpur’s aviation traffic, with domestic routes accounting for the vast majority of passenger movement. While the overall passenger base expanded during 2025-26, international traffic moved in the opposite direction, highlighting the relatively smaller share of international travel at the airport.