All you need to know about Rajiv Gandhi International Airport

Hyderabad, the City of Pearls, is home to historic wonders such as the Birla Temple, Charminar, Golkonda Fort, and Salar Jung Museum.

Telangana, particularly Hyderabad, has emerged as a popular holiday destination for foreign travelers coming by international flight tickets booking online services. This is evident from the increase in international visitor arrivals, which has been increasing by 12%-13% every year. It is one of India’s most varied, peaceful, and energetic cities, with people from all walks of life coming together to celebrate oneness through culture, cuisine, and festivals.

Hyderabad has been a favorite hotspot among tourists especially American travelers who book cheap flight tickets to Hyderabad from USA and show a keen interest in authentic Hyderabadi delicacies, majestic monuments, IT sectors & mesmerizing palaces.

The Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad opened in 2008, replacing the city’s previous airport in Begumpet. The airport is one of the world’s fastest expanding, with passenger traffic increasing from a little over six million in 2009 to more than 21 million in 2019. 1 This places it as India’s sixth busiest airport. The Telugu diaspora in the United States of America, the Middle East, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait account for a large portion of Hyderabad airport’s foreign traffic. With a big number of IT, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical industries, Hyderabad is also an important economic center in India. The city’s strategic placement in India’s geographic center is also advantageous.

Here is a list of things you need to know about RGIA:-

• History & Planning:

Begumpet Airport, the current commercial airport, was unable to accommodate increased passenger traffic. When the State proposed building a new airport for the Air Force, the Ministry of Defence advised the State to look south of Begumpet Airport. The State had narrowed down three potential locations for the new airport by October 1998: Bongloor, Nadergul, and Shamshabad. Shamshabad was chosen in December 1998 due to its advantageous position between two roads (NH 44 and NH 765) and a railway line.

Hyderabad International Airport Ltd (HIAL), subsequently renamed GMR Hyderabad International Airport Limited (GHIAL), was established as a special purpose corporation in December 2002, with interests held by the State, AAI, and GMR-MAHB.

The members of GHIAL signed a shareholders agreement in September 2003, as well as a deal for a governmental subsidy of more than 4 billion (US$50 million). In December 2004, GHIAL and the Central Government signed a concession agreement stating that no airport within a 150-kilometer (93-mile) radius of RGIA may be operated. As a result, Begumpet Airport had to be closed. RGIA was supposed to open for commercial operations on March 16, 2008, however, the date was pushed back owing to airline concerns over the airport’s expensive ground handling charges. The debut date was planned for March 23, 2008, after the charges were cut.

• Ownership of the airport:

GMR Hyderabad International Airport Ltd (GHIAL), a public-private partnership, owns and operates RGIA. Airports Authority of India (13%) and the Government of Telangana (13%), as well as a corporate consortium led by GMR Group (63%) and Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (11%), make up the collaboration. [30] According to the concession agreement between GHIAL and the Central Government, GHIAL has the right to operate the airport for 30 years, with the option to extend it for another 30.

• Facilities within the airport:

A billion-dollar expansion proposal to quadruple the airport’s capacity to 50 million passengers per year is being suggested. It entails building a new terminal, expanding the present terminal, and developing new runways and taxiways. A 1,500-acre corporate and retail complex called “Airport City” is also being constructed near the airport.

• GMR Aerocity Hyderabad

“GMR Aerocity Hyderabad is a cutting-edge business hub that provides a sustainable environment for varied enterprises to grow in a world-class setting.” It provides luxury office space in Hyderabad, as well as commercial and office space in Shamshabad. It is located on the campus of the Hyderabad International Airport and spans 1500 acres, with specific places for offices, retail, commercial, education, healthcare, industrial, logistics, and hotel. The city is a lively melting pot of cultures and enterprises with world-class infrastructure, amenities, and security. It connects well to the major metropolis, and modern facilities are nearby.

The Hyderabad airport is well-known for its environmental friendliness. The airport in its category was the first to receive the ACI Asia-Pacific Level 3+ Airport Carbon Accreditation for carbon neutrality.

• Runways

The airport has got two runways.

1. Runway 09L/27R measures 3,707 by 45 meters (12,162 feet 148 feet).
2. Runway 09R/27L: 4,260 by 60 meters (13,980 feet 200 feet), ILS equipped.

Runway 09R/27L, the original and major runway, is long enough to accommodate the world’s largest passenger aircraft, the Airbus A380. In February 2012, authorities opened Runway 09L/27R, which had previously been a taxiway. It is shorter in length than the main runway and can accommodate aircraft such as the Airbus A340 and Boeing 747. Air traffic controllers mostly utilize it when maintaining runway 09R/27L, and as plane traffic to the airport increases, they will use it more frequently. The three parking aprons north of these runways are the cargo, passenger terminal, and MRO aprons. Parking spots are located on both the north and south sides of the passenger terminal apron.

• Terminal Facilities

RGIA features a single integrated passenger terminal that spans 105,300 m2 (1,133,000 sq ft) and can accommodate 12 million people per year. The terminal’s western half handles international flights, while the eastern side handles local flights. There are 46 immigration counters and 96 check-in desks, as well as 19 self-service kiosks. There are nine gates in all, with seven on the south side of the terminal and the other two on the north side. Three gates each have two jetways to aid in the handling of widebody aircraft. Plaza Premium Lounge, which manages three lounges at the terminal, provides public lounge services; there are also three distinct VIP lounges. The pre-security “airport village” serves as a hub for passenger pick-up.

• Other Facilities

• In addition to bathrooms, drinks, and showers, the airport provides 13 business lounges in the international and domestic sectors, as well as 3 VIP lounges.
• Outside the terminal, there is a short- and long-term parking area that can accommodate over 3000 automobiles.
• Taxis and private automobile rentals are available directly outside the terminal building.
• For travelers with last minute flights, there is an airport dormitory with AC and non-AC rooms in Hyderabad.
• Special assistance facilities ensure that passengers have easy access.

RGIA’s Baggage Wrapping Service:

Passengers at Hyderabad Airport can wrap their luggage at the Gate 2 entry and the Check-in desks (Row F) before baggage claim. Passengers with international flight tickets booking online can have their luggage sealed, including a suitcase, any carry-on or box baggage, and a backpack, with a durable and tamper-proof plastic cover. When traveling to or from Hyderabad, you may pack and safeguard any (even large) articles of luggage. It would cost a meager 300INR per bag, including taxes. At Hyderabad airport, the competent and diligent authorities also provide safe luggage storage.

First Express Security Check Facility in India:

RGIA provides a Straight-to-Security option without check-in baggage and benefits over 40% of domestic passengers with last minute flights during peak hours. It also reduces congestion at check-in areas and helps airlines in improving their On-Time Performance ( OTP ). RGIA also provides 10 “self-check-in” machines.

RGIA’s Dining and Beverages Options:

A food court, grab-and-go fast eats, and sit-down restaurants and bars are among the airport eating options for tourists & travelers who land at the airport with international flight tickets booking online services. Comfortable and peaceful choices for domestic departures include Network Bar, a cocktail bar; Monsoon Bar, which serves Indian and Mediterranean food; Taste of India; and Indian Paradise. In the international departures section, the Island Café & Bar has a similar vibe. There’s also Bikanervala, a food court with traditional Indian delicacies and popular cuisine, as well as Tiffin Express, Dosa Factory, and a variety of coffee shops. Food and beverage counters are also available at the Airport Village, which is located beyond the arrivals area.

Relish the beauty of captivating Hyderabad with this stunning & one of the best airports in South Asia, ‘Rajiv Gandhi International Airport.’