The ongoing expansion of the GMR-run Hyderabad International Airport is steadily progressing toward completion. The airport has recently operationalized an additional east area spanning 6.07 lakh square feet, integrating it with the existing terminal as part of the fourth phase of the expansion project.
With the operationalization of this east area, the total operationalized space at the airport now stands at 29.5 lakh square feet, compared to the previous 23.42 lakh square feet. This represents a significant milestone as approximately 95% of the ongoing airport expansion has already been completed, with the remainder scheduled to be finished by the end of this year, according to sources at GMR Hyderabad International Airport (GHIAL).
The airport initially began its journey with a capacity to accommodate 12 million passengers per annum in 2008. However, in mid-2021, it embarked on a substantial expansion project, aiming to serve over 34 million passengers per annum, with a total investment of $840 million. Notably, in the 2022-23 fiscal year, the airport managed to handle a total passenger traffic of 21 million, demonstrating the aviation sector’s resilience post-pandemic.
The newly expanded east area boasts several key features, including 24 remote bus domestic departure gates and arrival facilities, 12 passenger boarding aero bridges, contact stands, and a dedicated domestic-to-domestic (D-D) transfer area. The area is also equipped with three Automatic Tray Retrieval System (ATRS) machines, one screening machine, 12 departure gates, 22 escalators and elevators each, two travellators, 19 staircases, and nine restrooms for both men and women, along with other essential amenities.
In addition to these enhancements, the expansion project has introduced 85 additional aircraft stands, a ground service equipment tunnel, four new rapid taxiways, and various other developments on the airside, further bolstering the airport’s capabilities and services. The expansion is set to significantly contribute to the airport’s ability to handle a growing number of passengers and continue to be a pivotal transport hub in the region.