GMR Airports Limited (GMR AERO) has expanded its airport portfolio with the addition of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport, Nagpur.
The operational takeover on June 25, 2026 marks another milestone in GMR’s journey of developing world-class airport infrastructure that enhances connectivity, drives economic growth, and delivers superior passenger experiences.
With Nagpur joining its network, GMR Airports now has India’s most diversified airport portfolio, comprising marquee gateway airports, high-growth regional airports in India, and international airports overseas.
GMR AERO now has nine airports under operations or development. It operates seven airports in India and abroad—Delhi, Hyderabad, Goa (Mopa), Nagpur, Bidar, Medan (Indonesia)—provides technical support to Mactan Cebu (Philippines), and is developing two greenfield airports in Bhogapuram (Andhra Pradesh) and Crete (Greece).
Strategically located at the geographical centre of India, Nagpur is well positioned to emerge as a major aviation, logistics, and cargo hub.
Under the 30-year concession, GMR Nagpur International Airport Limited (GNIAL) will undertake phased modernisation and expansion, including a modern integrated terminal, expanded 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 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 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 while supporting cargo movement, logistics, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), trade, and industrial growth.
Commenting on the development, Mr 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 strengthen domestic and international connectivity, promote tourism, attract investments, generate large-scale direct and indirect employment, and support 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 its commitment to supporting the country’s aviation growth story.
GMR is also expected to soon unveil operations at its Greenfield Bhogapuram International airport in Vizag.
