The concept of building a city around an airport in India will be...

By GT24x7 Reporter · 25 June 2026 · GlobalToday24x7

Union Minister of Civil Aviation Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu announced that the concept of developing a city within the airport premises would be implemented for the first time in India at Nagpur. He was speaking at the event marking the handover of the operations of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport, Nagpur, to the GMR Group.

Naidu stated that the passenger capacity of Nagpur airport has increased significantly over the past decade and is expected to exceed 6 million (60 lakh) annually following the transfer of management to GMR. He also noted that the number of airports in the country has risen from 74 in 2014 to 165 today.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari stated that the cargo hub in Nagpur would provide global market access for Vidarbha’s oranges, handloom products, and electronic goods. He expressed confidence that the modernization of the airport would provide a major boost to the tourism, industrial, and mining sectors. On this occasion, he also called for establishing direct air connectivity between Nagpur and cities like Singapore and Dubai.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated that the Nagpur International Airport would serve as a key hub for the economic development of Vidarbha and Central India. He noted that the airport's second runway would increase passenger and cargo traffic while also boosting investments in the aviation and defense sectors.

During the event, documents regarding the airport handover were exchanged between Mihan India Limited and GMR Aero. Additionally, the airport's new website was launched, and its new logo was unveiled.