Hyderabad: Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) in Shamshabad has soared to new heights, emerging as one of India’s fastest-growing aviation hubs. In a remarkable achievement, the airport recorded an all-time high in passenger traffic for the fiscal year 2024-25, cementing its place among the nation’s top-performing airports.
With a 15.2% year-on-year growth, RGIA welcomed 2.13 crore (21.3 million) passengers this fiscal, outpacing major metros such as Chennai and Kolkata in both domestic and international traffic. Airport authorities anticipate crossing the 3 crore (30 million) mark in the next fiscal year if current trends continue.
January–March 2025: A Record-Breaking Quarter
The final quarter of FY 2024-25 saw an impressive 7.4 lakh (740,000) travelers, with January 18, 2025, standing out as a historic day—94,000 passenger movements were recorded, smashing the airport’s previous daily average of 75,000.
Strategic Location Boosts Footfall
Hyderabad’s geographical advantage and rising status as a conference and business hub have played a crucial role in RGIA’s growth. The airport has become a preferred international gateway for passengers not only from Telangana but also from neighboring Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Karnataka.
Dominance in International Connectivity
RGIA’s global network is expanding steadily. Dubai leads as the most frequented international destination with 93,000 monthly passengers, followed by:
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Doha – 42,000
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Abu Dhabi – 38,000
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Jeddah – 31,000
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Singapore – 31,000
What’s Driving the Surge?
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Enhanced international connectivity
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Superior infrastructure and passenger experience
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Strategic regional preference for outbound travel
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Rise in global events and conferences hosted in Hyderabad
As Hyderabad continues to rise on the global map, RGIA is poised to become a major international aviation hub in the coming years.