Hyderabad Airport recognized by ACI for accessibility standards
Hyderabad: Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA), operated by GMR Hyderabad International Airport Ltd. (GHIAL), on July 29, 2025, has been awarded the Level 1 Accessibility Accreditation by Airports Council International (ACI) World. This recognition marks a significant step in the airport’s efforts to create a more inclusive and accessible travel experience for all passengers, particularly those with disabilities and reduced mobility.
The ACI Accessibility Enhancement Accreditation Program is a global initiative aimed at helping airports evaluate and improve their accessibility standards. The Level 1 accreditation serves as the program’s foundational stage, requiring airports to identify existing barriers, assess current infrastructure and services, and begin aligning with internationally accepted best practices.
In its assessment, RGIA was evaluated on several parameters including physical infrastructure such as ramps, signage, and accessible restrooms; passenger services including assistance programs and communication aids; and the training of airport staff to support travelers with special needs. The evaluation also considered the airport’s broader organizational approach to inclusivity, including leadership commitment and culture.
Announcing the achievement, GHIAL CEO Pradeep Panicker said, “We are honored to receive the ACI Accessibility Accreditation - Level 1, a meaningful recognition of our unwavering commitment to building an inclusive airport experience. Our goal is to ensure that every traveler, regardless of physical or cognitive ability, feels welcomed, supported, and empowered. Through accessible infrastructure, customized facilities, and improved capacity-building programs for staff, we are dedicated to making every journey through our airport seamless and dignified.”
GHIAL stated that this accreditation shows its ongoing focus on accessibility and inclusivity, and provides a framework for further improvement. The airport plans to progress through higher levels of the ACI program, ensuring its infrastructure and services continue to evolve in line with global accessibility standards.
