Rajiv Gandhi International Airport

Rajiv Gandhi International Airport is not just an air gateway to Hyderabad, but a true symbol of modern, technological, and hospitable India. Opened in 2008, it quickly gained a reputation as one of the best airports in the world thanks to its well-thought-out infrastructure and high quality of service. Located in Shamshabad, approximately 22 km south of the city centre, the airport serves as a vital transport hub for millions of travellers, providing access to the cultural and economic centres of the southern and central parts of the country. Its modern design and efficiency make the beginning and end of any journey as comfortable as possible.

Hyderabad Airport is known for its numerous advantages. It regularly features in global rankings for punctuality and service quality. A single integrated terminal for domestic and international flights significantly simplifies navigation and movement between departure and arrival zones. The airport became one of the first in India to implement the DigiYatra biometric registration system, allowing passengers to complete pre-flight formalities faster and more conveniently. Thanks to the constant development of the route network, you can fly from here to more than 70 cities in India, as well as to popular international destinations.

For your convenience, we have compiled the main contact information for Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYD).

• Official website: www.hyderabad.aero
• Helpline number: +91 40 6654 6370 (24/7 support)
• Address: Shamshabad, Hyderabad, Telangana 500409, India
• Email: For general enquiries, you can use the address info@ghial.in.
• Social media: The airport maintains active pages on Twitter (X) and Facebook, where current news and updates are published.
• Lost & Found information: You should first contact your airline's representative. The airport also has its own Lost & Found service, which can be contacted via the information on the official website.
• Passenger support contacts: For assistance directly within the airport building, please approach the information desks located in the arrival and departure halls.

Getting to Rajiv Gandhi International Airport from Hyderabad is possible in several ways, each suitable for different budgets and preferences. The airport is located approximately 25-30 kilometres south of the city centre, and travel time can vary significantly depending on traffic, averaging from 45 minutes to 1.5 hours.

Public transport is mainly represented by comfortable Pushpak Airport Liner shuttle buses. This is perhaps the most budget-friendly and reliable option. Air-conditioned buses run around the clock on various routes, connecting the airport with key points in the city. They have special counters in the arrival zone where you can check the schedule and fare. There is currently no direct railway or metro connection to the airport.

Taxis and ride-hailing services, such as Uber and Ola, are the most convenient way to get to the airport. You can book a car via an app or use the Pre-paid Taxi services, counters for which are located both in the city and at the airport itself. This is a more expensive option compared to the bus, but it ensures comfort and a "door-to-door" journey. The cost will depend on the distance and time of day.

If you prefer complete freedom of movement, you can use the car rental service. Several international and local rental companies have offices at the airport. However, it is worth considering the peculiarities of local traffic in India, which can be quite chaotic for an unaccustomed driver. For those arriving in their own or rented vehicle, the airport provides spacious parking with zones for short-term and long-term parking.

Our tip: to avoid missing your flight, always leave in advance, allowing extra time for possible traffic jams, especially during morning and evening rush hours. The choice of transport depends on your budget: Pushpak buses for the economical, and taxis for those who value speed and comfort.

Navigating Hyderabad airport is very simple, as all flights—both domestic and international—are handled in one large terminal. This well-thought-out spatial organisation eliminates the need to move between different buildings, which is especially valuable for passengers with connecting flights. You won't have to worry about transfers between terminals—everything is within walking distance.

The airport layout is logical and intuitive. The building has several levels: the departure zone is located on the upper floor, and the arrival zone is on the lower floor. After entering the terminal, you find yourself in a spacious check-in hall where counters are grouped by airline. After checking in and dropping off luggage, all passengers proceed to the common security screening area. After passing security and passport control (for international flights), passengers enter a unified departure hall, which is divided into sectors for domestic and international flights.

Navigation within the terminal is easy thanks to clear signage in English, Hindi, and Telugu. Since everything is in one building, transitions between zones are made on foot. Distances can be significant, so it is worth allowing extra time to reach the boarding gates, especially if your gate is located in a far wing of the terminal.

Formalities at Hyderabad airport are usually quick thanks to its high capacity. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international one. During peak hours and holiday seasons, it is better to arrive with a little extra time. The departure and arrival zones are equipped with everything necessary: from Duty Free shops and restaurants with diverse cuisine to comfortable lounges.

Rajiv Gandhi International Airport is a modern and technological aviation hub with a relatively recent history. It was built from scratch and officially opened in March 2008. The need for a new airport arose because the old Begumpet Airport, located within the city limits, could no longer cope with the growing passenger traffic and could not accommodate large modern airliners.

The construction of the airport became one of the first successful projects in India under the public-private partnership (PPP) model. From the very beginning, it was designed as a world-class hub with future expansion in mind. Instead of several separate terminals, one large integrated passenger terminal was built, which significantly simplified navigation and sped up processes for passengers. At the time of opening, this feature distinguished it favourably from many other airports in the country.

Since its opening, the airport in Hyderabad has been constantly developing. Almost immediately after launch, work began on improving infrastructure and increasing capacity. In recent years, massive expansion has been underway, aimed at increasing annual passenger traffic from 12 to over 34 million people. Modernisation affects both the passenger terminal and the runways and aircraft parking aprons.

Throughout its short history, Rajiv Gandhi Airport has won numerous awards and recognitions. It regularly ranks among the best airports in the world for service quality in its category according to the Airports Council International (ACI). One of its achievements is its status as a major cargo hub, especially for pharmaceutical products, which is linked to Hyderabad's role as the "pharmaceutical capital" of India. Additionally, the airport actively implements green technologies, including a large solar power plant to meet its energy needs.

Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad is a modern and well-organised complex offering passengers a wide range of services for a comfortable wait. Here you will find numerous restaurants and cafes to suit every taste: from fast food outlets to establishments offering local and international cuisine. For shopping enthusiasts, there are Duty Free shops, boutiques of famous brands, souvenir stalls, and bookshops.

For those who prefer to wait for their flight in a quieter environment, the airport has several high-comfort lounges. Access is granted to business class passengers, airline loyalty programme members, or for a separate fee. Lounges typically offer snacks, beverages, newspapers, and convenient workspaces. Throughout the terminal, free Wi-Fi is available, and numerous charging stations for gadgets ensure your devices won't run out of power.

Financial matters can be handled at bank branches or currency exchange counters located in the arrival and departure halls. ATMs are also installed throughout the airport. In case of need, passengers can seek medical assistance at the 24-hour medical centre by Apollo Hospitals, staffed by qualified personnel.

The airport takes care of travellers with children. Special baby care rooms are equipped for them, where you can feed and change your baby in a quiet environment. There are also small play areas so that little passengers don't get bored. For passengers with reduced mobility, all necessary amenities are provided: ramps, elevators, specially equipped restrooms, and an assistance service that can be booked in advance through the airline.

If you have a long layover or an early flight, the Novotel Hyderabad Airport hotel is located right on the airport grounds, within a few minutes' walking distance. For business travellers, business centre services are available, as well as the option to rent conference rooms for meetings and negotiations directly within the airport building.

At Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, travellers will find a wide selection of establishments for every taste and budget. Whether you are looking for a quick snack before departure or a full dinner, you will easily find a suitable option here. Most cafes and restaurants are concentrated in the main departure zone (airside), after passing security control, but there are also several excellent places in the public zone (landside).

The main culinary highlight of the airport is undoubtedly local cuisine. It would be an oversight not to try the famous Hyderabadi Biryani—an aromatic dish of rice with meat or vegetables and spices. Many restaurants in the departure zone specialise specifically in Indian cuisine, offering both spicy and milder dishes. For those who prefer something more familiar, numerous international fast-food chains, pizzerias, and coffee shops are available.

Special attention is paid to the needs of different passengers. Given India's culinary traditions, finding vegetarian dishes is not difficult—they are available in almost every establishment. Many restaurants also offer vegan, Halal, and gluten-free options; you just need to check with the staff. Most establishments in the departure zone operate around the clock or have extended hours to serve passengers on night flights.

For a quick snack, coffee shops and food courts are ideal, where you can grab a sandwich, pastries, and coffee. If you have time for a full lunch or dinner, it is worth visiting one of the restaurants with table service. Prices range from budget options in fast-food outlets to mid-range and high-end segments in specialised restaurants, allowing every traveller to find an option according to their means.

Travelling through Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in the city of Hyderabad will be more comfortable if you familiarise yourself with some features in advance. It is a modern and well-organised transport hub, but knowing a few nuances will help save time and reduce stress.

Arrival and check-in time: For international flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 3-4 hours before departure, and for domestic flights—2 hours before. This time is usually sufficient to complete all formalities without rushing. To save time, use online check-in, which is offered by most airlines. This will allow you to proceed directly to baggage drop or, if you are travelling light, to the security check zone.

Security check: The security service at Hyderabad airport works efficiently but can be very thorough. Be prepared to remove laptops and other large gadgets, as well as your plastic bag with liquids, from your carry-on luggage in advance. The volume of each container must not exceed 100 ml. Please note that power banks are allowed only in carry-on luggage.

Customs control and transfers: For passengers arriving in India, it is important to know about customs regulations. Fill out a declaration if you are carrying goods subject to declaration. If you have a connecting flight, follow the "Transfers" signs. When transferring from an international to a domestic flight, you will likely need to pass passport control, collect your luggage, and check it in again after clearing customs.

Money-saving tips: To save on transfer to the city, consider taking the special Pushpak Airport Liner shuttle buses—this is significantly cheaper than a taxi. Inside the terminal, there are drinking water fountains, so you can bring an empty bottle and fill it after passing security. Food prices at the airport can be high, so if you have a limited budget, it is better to have a snack before arriving.

In case of flight delay: If your flight is delayed, first contact your airline representative for information on the new departure time and possible compensation (e.g., food vouchers). Hyderabad airport offers many shops, cafes, and comfortable waiting areas, including paid business lounges, where you can spend time in comfort.