GMR Group explores airport opportunities across global emerging markets

GMR Group is looking beyond India for new airport concession opportunities as it seeks to expand its airport platform and build a larger presence across international aviation markets.

The group is exploring opportunities in West Asia, Central Asia, Eastern Europe and Southeast Asia, Chairman G M Rao said. These regions are being viewed as potential growth markets for both airport operations and businesses linked to aviation, although the group remains cautious about the uncertain global environment.

GMR Airports currently operates six airports in India, including Delhi and Hyderabad, and also has an airport operation in Indonesia. The group is developing an airport in Greece, while its Bhogapuram airport in Andhra Pradesh has recently commenced operations.

GMR eyes growth beyond airport operations

The international expansion comes alongside GMR’s broader strategy of developing businesses around its airport assets. The group has been building an airport platform that extends beyond core airport operations into areas such as duty-free retail, cargo, retail, food and beverage and other airport-related services.

These businesses offer opportunities to generate additional revenue from the passenger and airport ecosystem without relying solely on traditional airport operations.

Rao remains confident about the long-term outlook for Indian aviation. Rising incomes, growing tourism, wider aviation infrastructure and government initiatives are expected to support passenger demand over the coming years.

The company also sees potential to expand its asset-light businesses, including operations and maintenance contracts and other airport-adjacent services.

Indian airports remain the core

Despite its international ambitions, India continues to be central to GMR’s airport strategy. During 2025–26, the group’s Indian airports handled 114.6 million passengers, accounting for about 25.6% of India’s domestic air traffic and 33.9% of international passenger traffic.

GMR plans to use this existing network, operational expertise and consumer reach to extend its airport platform businesses to additional airports and geographies.

The group reported a consolidated profit after tax of ₹472 crore in 2025–26, compared with a loss in the previous year. The improvement comes as GMR expands its airport portfolio while developing additional revenue streams around its aviation assets.