Mon Feb 23 09:23:31 UTC 2026: # Hyderabad Airport: A Major Economic Engine for Telangana, Contributing ₹68,000 Crore

The Story:
Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) in Hyderabad has become a crucial economic driver for Telangana, contributing nearly ₹68,000 crore in gross value added (GVA) and supporting approximately 3.5 lakh jobs in the fiscal year 2024-25, according to a study by the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER). Including the adjacent GMR Aerocity, the RGIA ecosystem’s contribution rises to around ₹75,000 crore in GVA and supports about 4.1 lakh jobs, representing over 5% of Telangana’s GVA and a considerable share of national output and employment.

Key Points:

  • In 2024-25, RGIA contributed nearly ₹68,000 crore in GVA and supported 3.5 lakh jobs.
  • Including GMR Aerocity, the ecosystem’s contribution increases to ₹75,000 crore GVA and 4.1 lakh jobs.
  • Airport operations alone generated about ₹30,000 crore in direct output and nearly ₹9,000 crore in GVA during 2024-25.
  • NCAER projects the combined economic impact of RGIA and GMR Aerocity to reach ₹2.13 lakh crore in GVA, supporting nearly 9.8 lakh jobs by 2037-38.
  • The airport handled about 29.5 million passengers in FY25, including 24.4 million domestic and 5.1 million international travellers.
  • RGIA connects 72 domestic and 24 international destinations.
  • The airport plays a crucial role in trade and exports, particularly for Hyderabad’s life sciences and pharmaceutical industries.

Key Takeaways:

  • RGIA is a significant contributor to Telangana’s economy, providing substantial GVA and employment opportunities.
  • The airport’s role is projected to deepen further by 2037-38, indicating sustained economic growth.
  • RGIA’s dedicated pharma zone enhances Hyderabad’s competitiveness in the life sciences and pharmaceutical sectors.
  • Passenger traffic growth reinforces Hyderabad’s competitiveness.

Impact Analysis:

The growth and economic impact of RGIA have significant long-term implications:

  • Regional Development: RGIA’s success reinforces Hyderabad’s position as a hub for technology, pharmaceuticals, and global capability centers, attracting further investment and talent to the region.
  • Economic Growth: The projected increase in GVA and job creation by 2037-38 suggests sustained economic growth for Telangana, contributing to national economic development.
  • Trade and Exports: RGIA’s role in facilitating trade and exports, especially for the pharmaceutical industry, strengthens India’s global competitiveness and supports export-oriented industries.
  • Infrastructure Development: The airport’s expansion and development, including the GMR Aerocity, stimulate infrastructure development in the surrounding areas, further boosting economic activity.

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