GMR Airports Expands Portfolio with Addition of Nagpur Airport; Reaffirms Commitment to Build Central India’s Next Aviation Hub
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New Delhi/ Hyderabad, June 26, 2026: GMR Airports Limited (GMR AERO) has further strengthened its leadership in India's aviation infrastructure sector with the addition of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport, Nagpur, to its growing airport portfolio. The operational takeover on June 25, 2026 marks another significant milestone in GMR's journey of developing world-class airport infrastructure that enhances connectivity, drives economic growth and delivers exceptional passenger experiences.
With Nagpur joining its network, GMR Airports now has India's most diversified airport portfolio, comprising marquee gateway airports and high-growth regional airports in India, along with international airports overseas. The addition reinforces GMR's proven expertise in transforming airports into engines of regional development and economic prosperity.
GMR AERO now has nine airports under operations or under development. It operates seven airports in India and abroad, including Delhi, Hyderabad, Goa (Mopa), Nagpur, Bidar, Medan (Indonesia), and extends technical support for Mactan Cebu (Philippines) and is also developing two greenfield airports in Bhogapuram (Andhra Pradesh) and in Crete (Greece).
Strategically located at the geographical centre of India, Nagpur is uniquely positioned to emerge as a major aviation, logistics and cargo hub. Under the 30-year concession, GMR Nagpur International Airport Limited (GNIAL) will undertake a phased modernisation and expansion programme, including development of a modern integrated terminal, expansion of airside infrastructure, enhanced cargo facilities, digital technologies and sustainability-led initiatives. The long-term vision is to enhance the airport's capacity to serve up to 30 million passengers annually while creating a future-ready aviation ecosystem.
The development aligns closely with the Government of India's vision of strengthening regional connectivity and positioning Nagpur as a hub-and-spoke aviation network for Central India. According to the Hon'ble Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Mr K Ram Mohan Naidu, Nagpur's central location offers a natural advantage to evolve into a key domestic and international transfer hub, improving connectivity across the country while supporting cargo movement, logistics, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), trade and industrial growth.
Commenting on the development, GBS Raju, Chairman, GMR Airports, said: “The handover of Nagpur Airport marks a significant milestone in its transformation into a world-class aviation hub. Guided by the expertise and strategic vision of GMR Airports Limited, the Nagpur Airport will undergo phased development to enhance its infrastructure and operational capacity. The first phase will focus on expanding the passenger terminal to accommodate three million travelers annually, ensuring a seamless and efficient travel experience. Future phases aim to elevate the airport's capacity to serve up to 30 million passengers annually, supported by comprehensive airside infrastructure upgrades, including a new Air Traffic Control tower. Additionally, the airport will feature a state-of-the-art cargo facility capable of handling 20,000 metric tons, positioning Nagpur as a critical logistics hub for Central India. These developments align with India's vision of strengthening regional connectivity and driving economic growth, while prioritizing sustainability and operational excellence.”
The modernisation of Nagpur Airport is expected to unlock substantial socio-economic benefits by strengthening domestic and international connectivity, promoting tourism, attracting investments and generating large-scale direct and indirect employment. The airport is also expected to play a pivotal role in supporting the region's emergence as a multimodal logistics and industrial hub.
With a strong track record of developing and operating globally benchmarked airports, GMR Airports remains committed to operational excellence, sustainability, innovation and customer-centric infrastructure. The addition of Nagpur Airport further strengthens the company's position as India's leading private airport operator and underscores its commitment to supporting the country's aviation growth story.
About GMR Airports Limited (Formerly GMR Airports Infrastructure Limited)
GMR Airports Limited (GAL) is a leading global airport platform company with over two decades of experience in designing, constructing, and operating world-class sustainable airports. Under the brand name “GMR AERO”, it offers pioneering aviation solutions in retail, aero services, and real estate. Groupe ADP joined the journey in 2020 as a strategic partner and is now a co-promoter in GAL.
As a platform business, GAL also provides a range of aero services including Duty Free, Retail, F&B, Cargo, Car Parking, O&M, and PMC services. Through its innovative Aerotropolis concept, it develops cutting-edge airport cities giving shape to best-in-class real estate developments in South Asia. GAL operates India's largest third-party Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility through its subsidiary, GMR Air Cargo and Aerospace Engineering Limited ensuring operational excellence across the Asia Pacific region.
GMR Innovex, a GMR Group entity, is developing and introducing a range of digital solutions to enhance the passenger journey and airport experience. Through GMR Aero Academy and GMR School of Aviation, the company is creating the talent pool necessary to drive the growth of the aviation sector in India (the third largest in the world).
As the largest private airport operator in Asia and the second-largest globally, GAL served over 121 million passengers in FY26 with a steadfast commitment to excellence in airport management as reflected in its consistent rankings for services by ACI and Skytrax. With a robust presence in India and Southeast Asia, the company operates key gateways such as Delhi, Hyderabad, Goa, and Medan airports, while extending its technical services to Mactan Cebu International Airport in the Philippines. GAL is also developing transformative projects like the greenfield airports in Bhogapuram (Visakhapatnam), India, and Crete, Greece.
GMR Group, the promoter of GAL has a significant presence in Energy, Transportation, Urban Infrastructure, and Sports. Through its CSR arm, GMR Varalakshmi Foundation, GMR supports local communities, reflecting its commitment to improving quality of life by enhancing skills, providing education, and developing healthcare infrastructure and services.
Groupe ADP develops and manages airports, including Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Paris-Orly, and Paris-Le Bourget. In 2025, the group handled through its brand Paris Aéroport 107 million passengers at Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Paris-Orly, and nearly 379 million passengers in airports in France and abroad. Boasting an exceptional geographic location and a major catchment area, the Group is pursuing its strategy of adapting and modernizing its terminal facilities and upgrading the quality of services; the group also intends to develop its retail and real estate businesses. In 2025, group revenue stood at €6,704 million and net income at €382 million.
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For further information about GMR Group, visit http://www.gmrgroup.com
For further details, please contact:
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- Prateek Chatterjee
- Subhendu Ray
- Group Chief Communications Officer GMR Group
- AVP & Head Media Relations GMR Group
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