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GMR Airports plans to invest INR 19,400 crore over the next five to seven years to expand infrastructure at Delhi and Hyderabad airports as it prepares for rising passenger demand. Hyderabad will receive the larger share of investment to significantly increase its annual passenger-handling capacity, while Delhi will undergo further infrastructure upgrades and capacity enhancement. The investment will be funded through a mix of debt and equity at the airport level, reflecting the company’s strategy of strengthening its airport business amid India’s growing aviation market.
GMR Airports has outlined a INR 19,400-crore investment plan to expand and modernise its Delhi and Hyderabad airports over the next five to seven years, signalling another major round of infrastructure spending as India’s aviation market continues to grow.
The proposed investment is intended to strengthen capacity at the company’s two flagship airports, with Hyderabad emerging as the larger beneficiary of the expansion programme. The company expects rising passenger volumes over the coming years to require additional terminals, airside infrastructure and supporting airport facilities capable of handling higher traffic.
Hyderabad airport is expected to receive around INR 13,800 crore, with the investment aimed at increasing its annual passenger-handling capacity to about 80 million passengers. The airport currently handles approximately 34 million passengers a year, making the proposed expansion one of the largest planned capacity enhancements for the facility.
Delhi airport, which remains one of India’s busiest aviation hubs, is expected to receive about INR 5,600 crore for further infrastructure improvements and capacity enhancement. The planned investment is intended to strengthen the airport’s ability to accommodate continued growth in both domestic and international traffic.
Rather than funding the expansion through the holding company alone, GMR plans to raise capital at the individual airport level through a combination of debt and equity. This approach allows each airport project to secure financing aligned with its own expansion requirements while supporting long-term infrastructure development.
The expansion plans come as India’s aviation sector continues to record sustained growth in passenger traffic. Larger airline fleets, expanding domestic routes and increasing international connectivity are expected to create greater demand for airport infrastructure capable of handling higher passenger volumes and aircraft movements.
GMR’s strategy also extends beyond passenger terminals. The company has been expanding airport-related businesses, including commercial real estate, maintenance, repair and overhaul facilities, cargo infrastructure and other non-aeronautical revenue streams that support airport operations over the long term.
The investment programme reflects the increasing competition among India’s major airport operators, with large infrastructure upgrades becoming essential as airports compete to accommodate future traffic growth. Modern terminals, improved passenger facilities and expanded operational infrastructure have become increasingly important for airports seeking to handle larger volumes efficiently.
For Hyderabad, the planned expansion is expected to transform the airport into a significantly larger aviation hub over the coming years. For Delhi, continued investment is aimed at maintaining capacity and operational efficiency as passenger numbers continue to increase.
The programme also highlights GMR’s long-term commitment to airport infrastructure at a time when the company continues to evaluate opportunities across its broader airport portfolio. Strengthening existing assets remains central to its growth strategy rather than diversifying into airline operations.
If implemented as planned, the investment could substantially increase passenger-handling capacity at two of India’s busiest airports while reinforcing GMR’s position as one of the country’s largest airport infrastructure operators. The planned upgrades are intended to support future aviation demand and improve operational capacity as the sector continues its next phase of expansion.
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