Hyderabad’s RGIA Sees Passenger Traffic Soar to 25 Million in FY2024

Aerial view of Hyderabad's Rajiv Gandhi International Airport showcasing passenger growth and infrastructure.

Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) has experienced a remarkable recovery from the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, with passenger traffic surging from 8 million in FY2021 to 25 million in FY2024, achieving a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of approximately 45.6%. This recovery underscores RGIA’s strong operational resilience and its growing status as a key aviation hub.

Passenger Growth Over the Years

Before the pandemic, RGIA handled 21.3 million passengers in FY2019 and 21.5 million in FY2020, before a sharp decline to 8 million in FY2021 due to travel restrictions. By FY2024, the airport rebounded, recording 25 million passengers, with growth driven by both domestic and international travel.

In October 2024, RGIA welcomed nearly 2.5 million passengers, reflecting a 22% year-on-year increase compared to October 2023. Domestic passenger numbers grew by 22.7%, while international traffic rose by 16.3%. The airport also recorded 17,553 aircraft movements, marking a 19% increase compared to October 2023. Notably, October 14, 2024, saw a peak of 87,000 passengers in a single day, as reported by Hyderabad Airport authorities.

Leading Growth Among Metro Airports

Data from the Airports Authority of India (AAI) highlights that Hyderabad led passenger growth among India’s top five metro cities from April to September 2024, with an 11.7% increase over the same period in 2023. Bengaluru followed at 10.1%, Kolkata at 9.4%, Delhi at 7.4%, Mumbai at 5.4%, and Chennai at 3.3%.

RGIA’s strategic location, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and the region’s economic growth have played a pivotal role in its success. The airport connects to 72 domestic and 18 international destinations, making it a preferred choice for travelers.

International Growth and Long-Haul Travel

Hyderabad has emerged as a crucial market for long-haul travel, particularly to the US and UK. In FY2023-24, approximately 2 million passengers traveled from Hyderabad to these destinations, with a significant portion comprising students and professionals. This growing demand, combined with ongoing airport expansion efforts, positions RGIA as a lucrative hub for international airlines and long-haul routes.

Source – The Hindu