Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) in Hyderabad is gearing up to become one of India’s three largest airports, with ambitious plans for international expansion in the coming years. GMR Hyderabad International Airport Limited (GHIAL), which operates RGIA, is set to launch direct flights to destinations such as the Netherlands, Ethiopia, Vietnam, and Hong Kong in the near future, as part of its broader goal to surpass Bengaluru and claim the third position among India’s busiest international airports.

“We are soon expecting flights from KLM between Hyderabad and Amsterdam, Ethiopian Airlines planning to launch services, Cathay Pacific aiming to start operations, and we’re also in discussions with Vietnam Airlines,” senior officials from GMR Hyderabad Airport shared with Moneycontrol.

In addition, talks are underway with major airlines including Air India, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and American Airlines to introduce direct flights to key U.S. cities. “Despite lacking direct U.S. flights, Hyderabad ranks third in passenger traffic to the U.S.,” noted the GMR Group, responding to Moneycontrol’s queries.