GMR Airports Expands Portfolio with Addition of Nagpur Airport; Reaffirms Commitment to Build Central India’s Next Aviation Hub

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.

Key Milestone
- On 25 June 2026, GMR Airports officially took over operations of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport, Nagpur.
- This marks GMR’s ninth airport under operation or development, reinforcing its position as India’s leading private airport operator.

Portfolio Strength
- GMR operates major airports in Delhi, Hyderabad, Goa (Mopa), Nagpur, Bidar, Medan (Indonesia), and supports Mactan Cebu (Philippines).
- Developing two greenfield airports: Bhogapuram (Andhra Pradesh) and Crete (Greece).
- With Nagpur, GMR now has India’s most diversified airport portfolio, spanning marquee gateways and regional hubs.

Nagpur’s Strategic Role
- Located at India’s geographical centre, Nagpur is poised to become a major aviation, logistics, and cargo hub.
- Under a 30-year concession, GMR will modernize and expand facilities:
- New integrated passenger terminal (initial capacity: 3 million passengers annually).
- Long-term expansion to handle 30 million passengers annually.
- Enhanced cargo facilities (20,000 metric tons).
- New ATC tower, airside upgrades, and sustainability-led initiatives.

Economic & Regional Impact
- Supports India’s hub-and-spoke aviation model for Central India.
- Boosts connectivity, tourism, trade, and industrial growth.
- Expected to generate large-scale employment and attract investments.

Leadership Voices
- GBS Raju (Chairman, GMR Airports): Called the handover a milestone in transforming Nagpur into a world-class aviation hub.
- K Ram Mohan Naidu (Union Minister for Civil Aviation): Highlighted Nagpur’s central location as a natural advantage for domestic and international connectivity.

This move positions Nagpur as a future-ready aviation ecosystem, aligning with India’s vision of strengthening regional connectivity and economic prosperity.