Nagpur, June 25: A historic chapter began for Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport on Wednesday as private airport operator GMR Aero officially assumed control of airport operations. The takeover marks one of the most significant developments in the airport’s 109-year history and is expected to accelerate Nagpur’s ambitions of becoming a major aviation and logistics hub in Central India.
Originally established as Sonegaon Airport in 1917, the facility was used by the Royal Military Force during World War I before being transferred to the Government of India after independence. Over the decades, the airport evolved from a small airstrip and pilot training centre into one of Central India’s key aviation gateways.
The airport was renamed Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport in 2005, the same year it witnessed its first scheduled international flight. With Nagpur’s strategic location at the geographical centre of India, the airport later became a crucial component of the ambitious Multi-modal International Cargo Hub and Airport at Nagpur (MIHAN) project.
Despite improvements in infrastructure and connectivity, the airport never fully achieved its vision of becoming a major transit hub. To unlock its potential, MIHAN India Limited initiated a public-private partnership process in 2016, with GMR Aero emerging as the successful bidder.
However, the privatisation process faced several setbacks. The bidding process was cancelled in 2020, leading to a prolonged legal dispute. GMR challenged the decision in court and eventually secured favourable rulings from both the Bombay High Court and the Supreme Court. Following final approval from the Union Cabinet last month, the transfer process was completed.
Under the concession agreement, GMR Aero plans to invest nearly ₹2,600 crore in phased development of the airport. The company intends to modernise the existing terminal, construct a new passenger terminal and eventually build a second runway to accommodate future growth.
The airport’s annual passenger handling capacity is expected to increase from the current 30 lakh passengers to nearly 3 crore passengers in the coming decades. The expansion is also expected to strengthen cargo operations and international connectivity.
Currently, the airport is served by domestic airlines including Air India, IndiGo, Air India Express and Star Air, while Air Arabia and Qatar Airways provide international connectivity to Sharjah and Doha.
For Nagpur, the handover represents more than a change in management. It revives a long-standing vision of transforming the city into a major aviation gateway and economic powerhouse connecting Central India to global markets.
Nagpur Airport Timeline
* 1917: Established as Sonegaon Airport
* World War I: Used by Royal Military Force
* 2005: Renamed Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport; first scheduled international flight launched
* 2008: New integrated passenger terminal inaugurated
* 2009: Operations transferred to MIHAN India Limited
* 2016: Privatisation process initiated
* 2020: Tender cancellation triggers legal dispute
* 2025: Union Cabinet approves transfer to GMR
* June 25, 2026: GMR Aero formally takes over operations
Key Developments Ahead
* ₹2,600 crore investment planned
* Modernisation of existing terminal
* Construction of a new passenger terminal
* Development of a second runway in future phases
* Passenger capacity target of nearly 3 crore annually
* Expansion of cargo and international flight operations
