Hyderabad hosts India’s largest airport: Know its uniqueness

August 19, 2025 Incredible India Valli Sarvani

While metro cities like Delhi and Mumbai dominate headlines, it is Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) that stands out as the most unique and largest airport in India, not just by size, but by innovation, passenger experience, and global recognition.

Largest Airport by Land Area

Unlike other metro airports that are hemmed in by urban sprawl, RGIA is spread across a massive 5,500+ acres in Shamshabad, Telangana. This gives it room to grow, literally.

It houses Asia’s longest runway, stretching 4,260 meters, making it one of the few in the country capable of handling Airbus A380s with ease.

India’s First to Offer E-Boarding

RGIA was a pioneer in digital boarding, becoming the first airport in India to introduce e-boarding.

This innovation has since become a model for other airports nationwide, streamlining the check-in process and reducing congestion.

Global Ranking, Local Excellence

It’s not just India’s best-kept secret; RGIA was ranked 8th among the world’s top 10 airports, a rare feat for a non-metro city.

It blends international standards with uniquely Indian hospitality, offering free Wi-Fi, baby care rooms, medical services, and an expansive duty-free zone.

Built for the Future

The airport is in the midst of a major expansion. A new terminal and runway are being built, raising its annual passenger capacity from 3.4 crore to 4.5 crore.

A multimodal transit hub and cargo terminal are also on the way, cementing its status as a future-ready gateway.

Smarter Design, Smoother Travel

With 83 aircraft parking bays, 10 aerobridges, and 96 check-in counters, RGIA is designed for efficiency.

Its layout allows smoother traffic flow and quicker turnaround times, a crucial advantage in India’s rapidly growing aviation market.

In a country with 487 airports, Hyderabad’s RGIA stands out not just for its size but for setting benchmarks in technology, convenience, and vision, a truly unique gem in India’s aviation crown.

Image Credit: Pinakpani, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons