Rajiv Gandhi International Airport or Hyderabad International Airport is an international airport based in Hyderabad. It’s located near Shamshabad which is about 22 kms south to Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India. Its spread over an area of 22 square kilometers.
As always the Congress does this airport too is named after the former Prime Minister of India, Rajiv Gandhi. Rajiv Gandhi International Airport is ranked amongst the world’s top five in annual Airport Service Quality (ASQ) depending on passenger survey and in 2010 it was ranked among the top airports of the world in airport service quality (ASQ) by global body and Airports Council International (ACI). For a period of April 2008 to December 2010, it remained the sixth busiest airport in India in terms of international and overall passenger traffic. It handles 5-15 million passengers per annual.
It is India’s first Greenfield Airport and the second Public Private Airport. It was constructed keeping an eye the future needs and for 60 years it would be sufficient enough to meet the increasing demands. Once you check – in you will have a great leisure and shopping experience featuring global brands retails, food and beverages. It has 130 common check-in, 16 self-check-in and 46 immigration counters providing a smoother passenger flow without any Que. It has India’s longest runway with 4.26 kms which ensure you a smooth take offs and landings.
The transport facility from the city parts is excellent with Aero Express buses operating from five parts of Hyderabad with a nominal fee. Still if you want to get luxurious then you can book Taxis or Cab which are operated by Meru and Easy Cabs with runs at Rs 15 per km. The services and facilities of what we see in USA and other counties of car rentals on executives cars comes to Hyderabad too. Hyderabad Airport authority has also tied up with Executive Car Services like Budget, Avis and Hertz for car rentals for the people arriving at the Airport. The airport shuttle are run at 30 minutes interval to and fro from several points in the city and the airport between 3.30 am to 23:30 pm and a hours frequency between the odd hours.
The Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) also runs non air conditioned bus services between various points in the city to the airport at much lower rates. There is proposal of inclusion of Metro rail extension from Falaknuma to Shamshabad and dedicated airport train from Secunderabad to airport to travel in 25 minutes. Along with the passenger flights it is also a point for cargo transport flights for both domestic and international. The Air cargo complex has a total area of 1500 sq meters. Once you are in and if you have time roam around the beautiful lounge and shopping malls with leading stores from Mebaaz, Nerus, Pepe Jeans, Woodland, Pantaloons, Mufti, Mochi and other brand outlet. A long space covered with trees between Airport base and parking talks quite some time to walk. As soon as you enter the airport you would see Mc Donald’s.
Near in the vicinity it features a Hotel by name Novotel at Shamshabad. Novotel Hotel is spread over an area of five acres and offers more than 300 rooms with 11 suites and 53 premier rooms. This hotel has the facility of two restaurants, two bars, a swimming pool and meeting rooms and 24 hour fitness center. More to add to it, it has ample amount of parking facilities with over 3000 cars. More under the premises it has 208 Rooms business hotel, 25 rooms for lounge with shower and nap rooms facilities. If that is not enough it has added 17 bed medical center with quality health care for passengers. The international airport is quickly accessible from the city by major highways so that you can reach the airport as early as possible and thus save time.
Rajiv Gandhi International Airport is the joint venture of public-private between GMR Group, Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad, Government of Andhra Pradesh and Airports Authority of India. GMR group holds 63% share of equity, MAHB holds 11% and other government bodies hold 13%. After its construction and opening the Begumpet airport was use for domestic flights and training services.
Among the awards lists Hyderabad International Airport has received the best Airports Globally by Airports Council International on 16 February 2010. It was awarded with Best Airport Environmental Performance of the Year by Center for Asia Pacific Aviation’s (CAPA) in 2009. So all in together Hyderabad Airport is a must watch although if you are not boarding or talking a flight. Its simply the best place to watch out in Hyderabad.
