Hyderabad, the capital of Telangana and one of India’s fastest-growing metropolitan cities, has a well-developed aviation network that connects millions of passengers to domestic and international destinations each year. Travellers and researchers frequently ask: how many airports does Hyderabad have?
Table of Contents
Hyderabad has one major commercial airport — Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (IATA: HYD) — which handles all scheduled domestic and international flights. This modern facility replaced the older Begumpet Airport in 2008 and is the primary air gateway to and from Hyderabad, Telangana.
Beyond its main commercial airport, Hyderabad also has the former Begumpet Airport, now repurposed for VIP movements, defence operations, and flight training. Several smaller airstrips and regional airfields further support the city’s growing aviation ecosystem. Hyderabad’s aviation infrastructure reflects its status as a global hub for IT, pharmaceuticals, and culture in South India.
Overview of Hyderabad’s Aviation Infrastructure
Hyderabad’s air transport network is anchored by a world-class international airport, supported by a legacy airfield and several regional airstrips across Telangana. Together, these facilities serve commercial passengers, cargo operators, defence units, and pilot training academies.
Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA), Hyderabad
Rajiv Gandhi International Airport is Hyderabad’s sole commercial aviation hub, located in Shamshabad — approximately 22–24 kilometres south of the city centre. It opened in March 2008, replacing Begumpet Airport as the main civilian airport for the Hyderabad metropolitan region.
Key infrastructure highlights include:
- Runway length: 4,260 metres — the second longest runway in India, capable of accommodating wide-body aircraft including the Airbus A380
- Passenger capacity: 12 million passengers per year (current terminal)
- Ownership model: Public-private partnership between GMR Group and the Airports Authority of India (AAI)
- IATA code: HYD | ICAO code: VOHS
RGIA operates 24/7 and handles both domestic routes across India and direct international routes to Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and beyond. Its strategic location and infrastructure make it one of the most operationally efficient airports in South India.
Begumpet Airport, Hyderabad
Begumpet Airport, located in central Hyderabad, was the city’s primary civilian airport before RGIA opened in 2008. It is no longer open to scheduled commercial flights but continues to serve important secondary functions.
Current uses include:
- VIP and government aircraft movements
- Indian Air Force and defence operations
- Private and charter flight handling
- Flight training for aspiring pilots
Begumpet Airport features a 3,707-metre runway and a small terminal building. Its central location within the city makes it operationally practical for non-commercial aviation purposes.
Secondary Airports and Airstrips Near Hyderabad
Hyderabad’s broader aviation footprint includes several smaller facilities across the Telangana region:
Warangal Airport — located approximately 150 km northeast of Hyderabad — offers limited domestic connectivity and helps link smaller Telangana cities to the state capital.
Nadirgul Airfield — situated on the outskirts of Hyderabad, primarily used for pilot training and general aviation activity, contributing to India’s expanding aviation workforce pipeline.
Other regional airstrips — Ramagundam, Kothagudem, and Nizamabad airstrips support local air connectivity, agricultural aviation, and specialised operations across Telangana.
Airlines Operating from Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport
Rajiv Gandhi International Airport is served by a comprehensive mix of domestic Indian carriers and major international airlines, offering passengers strong connectivity across India and globally.
Domestic Airlines at Hyderabad Airport
Several major Indian airlines operate scheduled services from Hyderabad:
- IndiGo — the largest domestic carrier by market share, connecting Hyderabad to cities across India
- Air India — the national carrier, offering full-service domestic and international routes
- SpiceJet — low-cost connectivity to key metros and Tier-2 cities
- Akasa Air — India’s newest budget airline, expanding routes from Hyderabad
International Airlines at Hyderabad Airport
Hyderabad Airport welcomes direct flights from leading global carriers:
- Middle East: Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, Air Arabia, Gulf Air
- Europe: British Airways, Lufthansa
- Southeast Asia: Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Thai Airways
- Other regions: Multiple carriers connecting to East Asia, Africa, and North America via hub connections
The diversity of international carriers positions Hyderabad as a significant South Asian aviation gateway.
Airport Facilities and Passenger Services
Passenger Amenities at RGIA
Rajiv Gandhi International Airport offers a full suite of traveller services within its integrated terminal:
- Dedicated check-in desks for domestic and international passengers
- 46 immigration counters and 96 check-in desks to minimise wait times
- Duty-free retail, jewellery stores, and branded shopping
- Multi-cuisine restaurants, cafés, and fast-food outlets
- Airport lounges for premium passengers and lounge card holders
- Free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal
- ATMs, foreign exchange counters, and medical facilities
- Spa and wellness services for long-haul travellers
- Wheelchair and mobility assistance services
Business and Cargo Services
RGIA is equipped to support business travellers and freight operators:
- Dedicated meeting rooms and business facilities
- Air cargo handling infrastructure for time-sensitive and perishable goods
- Cold-chain logistics capabilities supporting Hyderabad’s pharmaceutical export industry
- Warehouse and storage facilities for importers and exporters
Air cargo from Hyderabad plays a critical role in the export of pharmaceuticals, IT hardware, and perishable goods to global markets.
Maintenance and Training Facilities
The Rajiv Gandhi Aviation Academy provides structured training for pilots, air traffic controllers, and ground handling staff. This institution strengthens India’s aviation talent pipeline and ensures safe, compliant airport operations across the region.
Regulation and Management of Hyderabad Airport
GMR Group and Airports Authority of India (AAI)
GMR Group manages Rajiv Gandhi International Airport under a public-private partnership with the Airports Authority of India (AAI). This model leverages private-sector efficiency while maintaining government regulatory oversight.
- GMR Group oversees terminal operations, retail, passenger services, and infrastructure development
- AAI retains control over air traffic management and regulatory compliance
This partnership has positioned RGIA among India’s best-managed airports in terms of operational standards and passenger experience scores.
Customs and Immigration
RGIA’s international terminal is equipped with 46 immigration counters and 96 check-in desks to efficiently manage peak international traffic. Customs officials enforce import regulations and prevent contraband, while immigration officers manage border control and document verification for inbound and outbound international travellers.
Safety and Security
Safety and security at Hyderabad Airport are governed by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) standards. The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) provides armed security across all terminal areas. Measures in place include:
- Baggage X-ray screening and explosive detection
- Full-body scanners at boarding gates
- CCTV surveillance across all public and restricted zones
- Regular emergency drills for fire, medical, and security scenarios
- On-site fire safety teams and medical response units
Getting to and from Hyderabad Airport
Transport Options from RGIA to the City
Rajiv Gandhi International Airport is located about 22 km south of Hyderabad city centre in Shamshabad. Multiple transport modes connect the airport to key city destinations:
- Metro Rail: A direct metro link connects RGIA to Hyderabad’s metro network, offering a fast, traffic-free route to central areas
- Airport Express Buses (TSRTC): Frequent, affordable bus services to major city hubs including Hitech City, MGBS, Secunderabad, and Jubilee Bus Station
- Taxis and Ride-Hailing: Ola, Uber, and prepaid taxi services are available at designated bays outside arrivals
- Auto-Rickshaws: Available for shorter distances within the Shamshabad vicinity
Onward Travel from Hyderabad
Once in Hyderabad, travellers have strong multi-modal connectivity:
- Hyderabad Metro Rail covers major corridors across the city
- TSRTC city buses reach most localities within the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) area
- Interstate buses and trains from Secunderabad and Kacheguda Railway Stations connect Hyderabad to Bengaluru, Chennai, Mumbai, and beyond
- Domestic flights from RGIA connect to over 50 Indian cities, making Hyderabad a convenient hub for multi-city itineraries across India
Economic Impact of Hyderabad Airport on Regional Development
Economic Contributions
Rajiv Gandhi International Airport is one of Hyderabad’s most significant economic drivers. Its direct and indirect economic contributions include:
- Thousands of direct jobs in airport operations, retail, hospitality, and logistics
- Indirect employment in transportation, hotels, tourism, and supply chains
- Attraction of multinational companies, SEZs, and logistics parks in the Shamshabad corridor
- Growth of Hyderabad’s pharmaceutical exports via air cargo — the city is one of India’s top pharma export hubs
- Increased foreign direct investment (FDI) facilitated by improved global connectivity
Tourism and International Connectivity
Passenger traffic through RGIA has grown significantly since 2008, with international arrivals boosting demand for hotels, restaurants, heritage tourism, and MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, exhibitions) events. Hyderabad’s iconic attractions — including Charminar, Golconda Fort, Ramoji Film City, and the Necklace Road — benefit directly from increased air connectivity.
The airport’s international route network has enabled Hyderabad to host global technology summits, pharmaceutical conferences, and cultural events, reinforcing its position on the world map.
Future Expansion of Hyderabad Airport
Planned Capacity Expansion at RGIA
Rajiv Gandhi International Airport is planning a major expansion to accommodate projected passenger growth. GMR Group’s expansion plan includes:
- Second passenger terminal — to significantly increase annual handling capacity beyond the current 12 million passenger limit
- Second runway — to enable simultaneous take-off and landing operations, reducing congestion and improving punctuality
- Target trigger: Expansion is expected to be activated when annual passenger traffic approaches 45 million, projected around 2030
Prospect of a Second Airport for Hyderabad
Hyderabad may become the third Indian city with two airports, following a trend already established by Delhi (IGI + Hindon) and Mumbai (CSIA + Navi Mumbai). A second airport could:
- Relieve pressure on RGIA during peak travel periods
- Serve different quadrants of Greater Hyderabad
- Cater specifically to low-cost carriers or domestic-only operations
- Support Telangana’s ambition to develop its broader aviation and logistics ecosystem
New ICAO codes would be assigned to any future airport approved for the Hyderabad region.
Frequently Asked Questions about Airports in Hyderabad
How many airports are there in Hyderabad? Hyderabad has one primary commercial airport — Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYD) — which handles all scheduled passenger flights. Begumpet Airport exists but is not open for civilian commercial services.
What is the name of the international airport in Hyderabad? The international airport in Hyderabad is Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, commonly referred to as RGIA or Hyderabad Airport (IATA: HYD). It is located in Shamshabad, approximately 24 kilometres south of Hyderabad city centre in Telangana.
Does Hyderabad Airport handle both domestic and international flights? Yes. Rajiv Gandhi International Airport handles both domestic and international flights, connecting Hyderabad to cities across India and to major hubs in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Europe, and beyond.
How many airports are there in Andhra Pradesh? Note: Hyderabad is located in Telangana, which became a separate state from Andhra Pradesh in June 2014. Andhra Pradesh has its own airports, including those at Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, and Tirupati. Hyderabad’s airports fall under the jurisdiction of the state of Telangana.
What is the terminal infrastructure of Hyderabad Airport? Rajiv Gandhi International Airport currently has a single integrated terminal handling both domestic and international departures and arrivals. The terminal is designed to handle up to 12 million passengers per year. A second terminal is planned as part of the airport’s long-term expansion programme.
How does Hyderabad’s airport compare with other Indian airports? Hyderabad has one major commercial airport, while cities like Delhi and Mumbai each operate two airports. However, RGIA’s 4,260-metre runway (the second-longest in India), 24/7 operations, and strong international connectivity make it one of India’s top-tier airports in terms of infrastructure and service standards.
For reliable aviation services in Hyderabad, ATTS connects travellers and businesses with professional ground handling, charter coordination, and airport support across India’s fastest-growing aviation hubs — get in touch with ATTS today.