The GMR Group, which operates Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad, expects a significant increase in passenger traffic. Currently, the airport handles 29 million passengers annually, but this number is expected to reach 50 million by the financial year 2031.
To support this growth, the company is investing ₹370 crore to expand its cargo operations. This includes upgrading the existing cargo terminal and building a new one, which will increase the airport’s cargo handling capacity to 4 lakh tons per year.
Last year, the airport saw an increase of 3.6 million passengers, a growth rate matched only by Delhi Airport. A team of experts is now working on ways to accommodate more passengers without the need for major infrastructure investments while also improving efficiency and enhancing the overall passenger experience.
The airport’s runway can handle up to 42 aircraft movements per hour, though it currently manages around 34 to 35. The airport operator, GHIAL, reported an operational revenue of over ₹2,700 crore last year and expects a 10% increase this year due to rising passenger numbers.
A majority of GHIAL’s revenue, around 65-70%, comes from aeronautical services. In terms of cargo, the airport expects to handle 1.80 lakh tons this fiscal year, reflecting a 20% increase from the previous year. This growth is mainly driven by international shipments.
One of the key reasons for the rise in international cargo is the ongoing conflict in the Red Sea, which affects 30% of the world’s container traffic. The expansion of the existing cargo terminal will cost ₹215 crore, while the construction of the new terminal will require ₹155 crore, bringing the total investment to ₹370 crore.
The new cargo terminal is expected to be completed by May and may begin operations by June or July. Meanwhile, work on expanding the existing terminal has just started.
The GMR School of Aviation is also performing well, with 30-40% of its graduates being hired by the GMR Group. GHIAL is a joint venture, where the GMR Group owns 74%, while the Airports Authority of India and the Telangana government each hold a 13% stake.
