GMR Airports announces $2B investment in India infrastructure

GMR Airports Infrastructure has announced plans to invest approximately $2 billion (₹19,400 crore) into its airport portfolio over the next five to seven years. The investment aims to expand capacity and modernize infrastructure to meet rising passenger demand in India, which currently stands as the world’s third-largest domestic aviation market.

A significant portion of the capital, roughly ₹13,800 crore, is earmarked for Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad. Once the upgrades are complete, the facility is expected to handle approximately 80 million passengers annually, more than doubling its current capacity of 34 million. An additional ₹5,600 crore will be directed toward New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport.

The expansion strategy focuses on developing airports into broader logistics hubs and aerotropolises, diversifying revenue through commercial development, retail, and cargo services. GMR, which is 26.5% owned by Aeroports de Paris SA, intends to bid for further domestic airport projects as the Indian government moves to sell more assets. This move follows similar large-scale investment plans by competitor Adani Airport Holdings Ltd.