Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYD), stands as a testament to India’s growing aviation infrastructure and serves as the primary gateway to the city of Hyderabad and the state of Telangana. This world-class facility has transformed air travel in the region since its inception, providing modern amenities, improved connectivity, and a seamless travel experience to millions of passengers each year.
HYD History and Development
The story of Rajiv Gandhi International Airport begins with the limitations of its predecessor, Begumpet Airport. Established in the 1930s by the Princely State of Hyderabad, Begumpet Airport had served the city for several decades. However, by the early 2000s, it had become severely constrained with little room for expansion, unable to handle the growing air traffic demands of the rapidly developing city.
Recognizing the need for a modern airport with greater capacity, the Government of India initiated the development of a new international airport. In December 2004, GMR Hyderabad International Airport Limited (GHIAL) was formed as a special purpose entity to develop and operate the new facility. GHIAL represents a public-private partnership with stakeholders including GMR Group (74%), Airports Authority of India (13%), and the Government of Telangana (13%).
Construction began on March 16, 2005, when Sonia Gandhi laid the foundation stone. Two days prior, the Central Government had named the airport after former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, who had undergone pilot training in Hyderabad. This naming decision was not without controversy, as the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) opposed it, preferring to continue the naming convention from Begumpet Airport where the domestic terminal was named after TDP founder N. T. Rama Rao.
After three years of construction, RGIA was inaugurated on March 14, 2008, and began commercial operations on March 23, 2008. The first scheduled flight to land was a Lufthansa service from Frankfurt, although two SpiceJet domestic flights had touched down earlier. With this transition, Begumpet Airport ceased all commercial operations, and the IATA code HYD was reassigned to the new facility.
The airport was built on a greenfield site in Shamshabad, approximately 24 kilometers south of central Hyderabad. Sprawling over an area of 5,500 acres (2,200 hectares), RGIA became the largest airport in India by land area—a distinction it still holds today.
HYD Stats and Quick Facts
- Official Name: Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA)
- IATA/ICAO Codes: HYD/VOHS
- Location: Shamshabad, approximately 24 kilometers (15 miles) south of Hyderabad city center
- Total Area: 5,500 acres (2,200 hectares), the largest airport in India by area
- Elevation: 617 meters (2,024 feet) above sea level
- Passenger Terminals: Integrated passenger terminal with domestic and international sections
- Passenger Capacity: Recently expanded to handle up to 40 million passengers annually
- Annual Traffic: Over 29 million passengers and 167,660 tonnes of cargo (2024-2025)
- Ranking: Fourth busiest airport in India by passenger traffic
- Runways: Two parallel runways
- Runway 09R/27L: Primary runway, capable of handling the Airbus A380
- Runway 09L/27R: Secondary runway, inaugurated in February 2012
- Terminal Area: Expanded to 379,370 square meters (4,083,500 square feet)
- Check-in Facilities: 149 check-in counters and 19 self-check-in kiosks
- Immigration Counters: 46 counters
- Security Screening: 26 security screening machines with Automatic Tray Retrieval System (ATRS)
- Boarding Facilities: 44 passenger boarding bridges and 56 remote bus gates
- Awards and Recognition: First airport in India to implement domestic e-boarding (2015) and international e-boarding (2020), ranked in AirHelp’s list of top 10 airports in the world
Terminal Facilities
Rajiv Gandhi International Airport features a single integrated terminal that handles both domestic and international flights. Originally designed to handle 12 million passengers annually, the terminal has undergone significant expansions to increase its capacity to 40 million passengers per year.
The terminal boasts modern architecture with a focus on passenger comfort and operational efficiency. It features a sleek design with extensive use of glass, allowing ample natural light to filter in, creating a spacious and welcoming atmosphere. The high ceilings and open spaces contribute to a sense of grandeur while ensuring efficient passenger flow.
Key facilities within the terminal include:
Check-in and Immigration:
- 149 check-in counters
- 19 self-check-in kiosks for a faster, contactless experience
- 46 immigration counters ensuring smooth entry and exit procedures
- 26 security screening machines with ATRS for expedited security checks
Baggage Handling:
- 10 baggage claim belts (7 for domestic flights and 3 for international flights)
- Advanced baggage handling system
- Lost and found services at the Terminal Manager’s Office
Boarding Facilities:
- 44 passenger boarding bridges (aerobridges)
- 56 remote bus departure gates
- Domestic-to-domestic (D-D) transfer area for seamless connections
Passenger Amenities:
- Free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal
- Currency exchange counters
- ATMs and banking services
- Prayer rooms
- Child care facilities
- Medical services with round-the-clock medical assistance
- Smoking rooms
- Special assistance for passengers with reduced mobility, including free wheelchair service
- Lounges for premium travelers and airline club members
Shopping and Dining:
- Duty-free shops offering a wide range of international brands
- Retail outlets featuring local and international merchandise
- Diverse dining options, from fast food to fine dining, serving both local and international cuisines
- “Airport Village,” a spacious covered area with shops, kiosks, and stalls where meeters and greeters can interact with passengers
The airport has also embraced technology, becoming the first in India to launch domestic e-boarding facilities in December 2015, followed by international e-boarding in October 2020. These innovations have significantly reduced processing times and enhanced the overall passenger experience.
Airlines and Destinations
Rajiv Gandhi International Airport serves as a hub for several airlines and offers connectivity to numerous domestic and international destinations. The strategic location of Hyderabad in central India makes it an ideal location for airlines to establish their operational bases.
Airlines Using HYD as a Hub:
- IndiGo: India’s largest airline operates over 100 daily flights from Hyderabad, connecting to various domestic and select international destinations.
- SpiceJet: Established a regional hub at RGIA in September 2011, using Bombardier Q400 aircraft to serve Tier-II and Tier-III cities across India.
- Air India: Utilizes Hyderabad as an important connection point in its domestic and international network.
- TruJet: Opened a hub at RGIA upon commencing operations in July 2015, focusing on regional connectivity.
Other Major Airlines Operating at HYD:
- Domestic Airlines: Vistara, GoAir, AirAsia India, Alliance Air
- International Airlines: Emirates, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Etihad Airways, Malaysia Airlines, Thai Airways, Air Arabia, Jazeera Airways, Oman Air, Scoot, SriLankan Airlines, and many others
Key Destinations:
- Domestic: Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata, Pune, Ahmedabad, Goa, Visakhapatnam, Tirupati
- International: Dubai, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Muscat, Sharjah, Jeddah, Dammam, London, and Frankfurt
In total, RGIA connects Hyderabad to over 80 destinations, including more than 20 international cities, making it a vital link in India’s aviation network and an important gateway for international travel.
Ground Transportation
Rajiv Gandhi International Airport offers various transportation options to connect passengers to Hyderabad city and surrounding areas:
Taxi Services:
- Prepaid taxi counters are available at the arrivals area
- App-based cab services like Ola and Uber have designated pickup zones
- Radio taxis operated by private companies
Airport Shuttle Buses:
- Aero Express buses provide non-stop airport shuttle services to various key locations in Hyderabad, including Secunderabad, Secretariat, and Masab Tank
- Air-conditioned coaches offer comfort and safety at competitive rates
- Scheduled departures throughout the day
Public Transport:
- Public buses connect the airport to various parts of the city
- More economical option but takes longer due to multiple stops
Car Rentals:
- Several car rental agencies operate counters at the airport
- Both self-drive and chauffeur-driven options are available
Metro Rail Connection: Under the second phase of the Hyderabad Metro Rail project, a 31-kilometer rail link between Raidurg and RGIA has been planned. The project received approval in August 2019, and GMR Group has committed to invest ?519.52 crore towards metro connectivity at the airport. The foundation laying ceremony took place on December 9, 2022, with GMR Group contributing ?625 crore (10% of the project’s cost). However, the project status has been uncertain following a change in government.
Private Vehicles:
- Ample parking facilities for both short-term and long-term parking
- Well-connected to the city via the Outer Ring Road and the PV Narasimha Rao Elevated Expressway
The airport is located approximately 33 kilometers from the city center, with a typical travel time of 45-60 minutes, depending on traffic conditions and the specific destination within Hyderabad.
Future Development Plans
Rajiv Gandhi International Airport continues to evolve with ambitious expansion plans to meet the growing demand for air travel in the region:
Recent Expansion: RGIA recently completed a major expansion project that increased its capacity from 12 million to 40 million passengers annually. This project, which reached 99.4% completion by January 2024 and was scheduled for full completion by March 2024, included:
- Extension of the terminal building
- Addition of 149 check-in counters and 26 advanced security screening machines
- Expansion of domestic and international pier buildings with more lounges, retail, and F&B outlets
- 44 contact gates, 28 remote departure gates, and 9 remote arrival gates
Medium-Term Plans: According to SGK Kishore, Executive Director and Chief Innovation Officer of GMR Airports, there are plans to add a second terminal and a second runway once annual passenger traffic reaches 45 million, projected by 2030. The airport is currently growing its capacity from 34 million to 45 million passengers annually based on current trends.
Long-Term Vision: The master plan for RGIA envisions an ultimate capacity of 100 million passengers per year. The airport was initially designed with future expansion in mind, allowing for incremental growth. The Nordic-designed masterplan allocated areas for:
- Additional terminals
- Expansion of airside and landside facilities
- Potential for third and fourth runways through further land acquisition to the north and south
- Railway services, hotels, and commercial developments
- Integrated cargo facilities
Technological Advancements: The airport has introduced an AI-powered Airport Predictive Operation Centre (APOC) that integrates real-time data from airside, landside, and terminal operations. This system enables seamless decision-making and minimizes disruptions, positioning RGIA at the forefront of airport management technology.
GMR Hyderabad Airport City: In April 2021, GMR Group announced the launch of GMR Hyderabad Airport City, which is proposed to be the largest aerotropolis in India, spread across 1,500 acres around the airport. This development will include:
- Office spaces and business parks
- Retail and entertainment centers
- Hospitality districts
- Educational institutions
- Healthcare facilities
- Aerospace and logistics parks
With these expansive development plans, Rajiv Gandhi International Airport is set to maintain its position as one of India’s premier aviation facilities and strengthen Hyderabad’s status as a key economic and transportation hub in the country.
Keyword: TopAirports