Hyderabad, Nov 27 (Rrepresentative) GMR Hyderabad International Airport (GHIAL) achieved a significant milestone by catering to more than 12 million passengers in H1FY2024, marking a remarkable 24 per cent year-on-year growth. The airport’s strategic positioning and robust infrastructure played a pivotal role in this achievement. Notably, in October 2023, both domestic and international segments witnessed substantial growth, with domestic traffic recording a 15 per cent increase and international passengers seeing a remarkable 23 per cent surge compared to the same period in 2022, a statement said on Monday. During the July-September 2023 period, GHIAL recorded a total of 6 million passengers (including both domestic and international), showcasing a substantial growth rate of over 24 per cent compared to the same timeframe in 2022. The Air Traffic Movements (ATMs) during this period reached a total of 42,625, with domestic and international ATMs contributing significantly to this increase.
Furthermore, the airport’s on-time performance continues to be commendable, earning it the third-best airport worldwide accolade, as per the Cirrum Report. GHIAL’s strategic advantages, such as its natural location, multi-modal connectivity, and extensive route network to over 80 domestic and international destinations, have solidified its position as the ‘Gateway of Choice’ in South and Central India. In CY 23, the airport witnessed an expansion in both domestic and international connectivity, with new routes and increased frequencies from airlines like Singapore Airlines, IndiGo, Lufthansa Airlines, Air India Express, and Kuwait Airways.GHIAL’s commitment to enhancing passenger experience is evident through its ongoing phase-wise expansion, which has added 56,474 sqm to the existing passenger terminal. The revamped terminal and airside areas boast new features, facilities, and technological solutions, making Hyderabad Airport one of the largest arrival duty-free hubs in India.
Looking ahead, Hyderabad Airport aims to further increase connectivity, exploring new destinations such as Chicago, New York, San Francisco, Dallas, Melbourne, Sydney, Paris, Amsterdam, as well as destinations in Indonesia, Vietnam, Kazakhstan, and Nepal. The airport’s growth is not only attributed to its infrastructure but also to the rising demand for air travel driven by Telangana’s higher per-capita income, increased disposable incomes, and a growing middle class with a propensity for travel. The RCS-UDAN scheme by the Government of India has also played a vital role in boosting domestic air connectivity. Hyderabad International Airport remains a key player in supporting traffic requirements for long-haul flights to the USA, Europe, and Australia, connecting South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East within a flying time of 4 hours. With its continuous efforts towards expansion and connectivity enhancement, GHIAL is poised for sustained growth in the coming years, the statement added.