The Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, commonly known as the Shamshabad Airport, is a prominent aviation hub situated 24 km south of Hyderabad. Operated by GMR Hyderabad International Airport Limited (GHIAL), this airport replaced Begumpet Airport in 2008. Named after former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi, it is India’s largest airport by area, covering 5,500 acre.
Shamshabad Airport: Key Facts
| Official name | Rajiv Gandhi International Airport |
| Commonly known as | Shamshabad Airport |
| Address | Shamshabad, 24 km south of Hyderabad |
| IATA code | HYD |
| ICAO Code | VOHS |
| Owner/Operator | GMR Hyderabad International Airport Limited (GHIAL) |
| Number of terminals | 1 |
| Number of runways | 2 |
Shamshabad Airport: Terminal
The integrated passenger terminal at the airport is designed to handle 12 million passengers. It covers 117,000 square metre, equipped with 10 baggage claim belts. In November 2023, an expansion on the eastern side increased the terminal’s operational area to 274,118 square meters, boosting passenger capacity to 34 million annually. The terminal facilitates domestic and international flights, with separate sections for each.
Shamshabad Airport: Facilities
Runways
The airport boasts two runways:
Runway 09L/27R: 3,707 x 45 meters
Runway 09R/27L: 4,260 x 60 meters (ILS equipped)
The latter, the primary runway, accommodates the Airbus A380, the world’s largest passenger aircraft, and was inaugurated in February 2012. The secondary runway, 09L/27R, handles aircraft like the Airbus A340 and Boeing 747.
GMR aerospace park
This park within the airport premises hosts facilities related to the aviation sector, including a special economic zone and the GMR Aviation Academy. The academy, established in 2009, offers accredited programs in airport operations.
MRO facilities
Shamshabad Airport houses two Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO) facilities:
GMR Aero Technic Ltd MRO: Operated by GMR Aero Technic Ltd, this MRO has extensive capabilities, maintaining aircraft like the Airbus A320 family and Boeing 737.
Air India MRO: A facility operated by Air India Engineering Services Limited that offers maintenance services.
Cargo terminal
The cargo terminal, west of the passenger terminal, covers 14,330 square meters and handles 150,000 tonnes of cargo annually. It features the Pharma Zone, a temperature-controlled facility for pharmaceutical storage.
Fuel farm
The airport’s fuel farm, managed by Reliance Industries, consists of six storage tanks with a total capacity of 13,500 kiloliters of jet fuel.
Solar power plant
Commissioned in January 2016, the 5 MW solar power plant near Shamshabad Airport serves its energy needs, with plans to expand to 30 MW.
Other facilities
Airport Hotel: The Novotel Hyderabad Airport, located 3.5 km from the airport, includes 305 rooms and two restaurants.
Kartainment Go Karting Track: A professional racing and recreational Go-Karting track within the airport premises.
Aero Plaza: Inaugurated in 2022, Aero Plaza is located within the main terminal and is spread over two floors.
GMR Aerocity Hyderabad: Planned as the largest aerotropolis in India, covering 1,500 acres around Shamshabad Airport.
Shamshabad Airport: Connectivity
Road
Shamshabad Airport connects Hyderabad via NH 44, NH 765, and the Outer Ring Road. The PV Narasimha Rao Expressway, completed in October 2009, has significantly reduced travel time between the airport and the city to 30–40 minutes.
Metro
Under the second phase of the Hyderabad Metro Rail project, a 31-kilometre rail link between Raidurg and Shamshabad Airport is in progress and is expected to enhance connectivity.
Rail
The nearest Indian Railways station is Umdanagar, which is located 6 km from the airport.
Shamshabad Airport: Flights
The airport is ahub for various airlines, including Alliance Air, amazon Air, Blue Dart Aviation, SpiceJet, and Indigo. It offers an extensive range of domestic and international flights, contributing to its status as the fourth busiest airport in India by passenger traffic. IThis network connects passengers to domestic destinations like Bangalore, Delhi, and mumbai, and international hubs such as Dubai, Singapore, and London-Heathrow.
Shamshabad Airport: Impact on real estate
The airport has played acrucila role in influencing real estate dynamics in its vicinity. The development of an aeropolis, GMR Hyderabad Airport City, around the airport is a testament to its transformative impact on the region. This development has further spurred economic activity, increasing demand for housing and commercial spaces in this area. It creates a holistic ecosystem by encompassing office space, retail, leisure, entertainment, hospitality, education, healthcare, aerospace, and logistics.
FAQs
When was Shamshabad Airport inaugurated?
Shamshabad Airport, officially known as Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, was inaugurated on March 14, 2008.
Who owns and operates Shamshabad Airport?
The airport is owned and operated by GMR Hyderabad International Airport Limited (GHIAL), a public–private consortium.
How many runways does Shamshabad Airport have?
Shamshabad Airport has two runways: Runway 09L/27R and Runway 09R/27L.
What is the passenger capacity of the airport after the recent expansion?
The recent expansion increased the passenger capacity to 34 million per annum.
What is the passenger capacity of the airport after the recent expansion?
The recent expansion increased the passenger capacity to 34 million per annum.
Which airlines operate from Shamshabad Airport?
Airlines operating from Shamshabad Airport include Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, British Airways, Emirates, and many more.
What are the major facilities at GMR Aerospace Park?
GMR Aerospace Park includes the GMR Aviation Academy and Asia Pacific Flight Training Academy, offering programs related to airport operations and pilot training.
How is Shamshabad Airport connected to the city?
Shamshabad Airport is connected to Hyderabad by NH 44, NH 765, and the Outer Ring Road. The PV Narasimha Rao Expressway has further improved connectivity.
What is the future expansion plan for Shamshabad Airport?
The ongoing expansion aims to increase the terminal capacity to 80 million passengers annually, with plans for new runways and an integrated ecosystem around the airport.
Which metro project will enhance connectivity to Shamshabad Airport?
Under the second phase of the Hyderabad Metro Rail project, a 31-kilometre rail link between Raidurg and Shamshabad Airport is under construction.
How does Shamshabad Airport contribute to sustainable energy?
Shamshabad Airport commissioned a 5 MW solar power plant in 2016, with plans to expand to 30 MW, aiming to become fully solar-powered.
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