In a significant development for the future of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport, GMR Airports Limited (GAL), which is set to take over the management of the airport, has been granted a fresh 30-year lease extension.
The move is expected to clear a major hurdle that had delayed GMR’s long-awaited plans for the modernization and expansion of Nagpur airport. Sources said the absence of a long-term lease agreement had been one of the key factors slowing the takeover process and subsequent development works.
Mihan India Limited (MIL), the airport’s joint venture entity, was established in 2009. Although a lease agreement was expected to be executed at the time, it remained pending for several years. Following directions from the Central Government, a lease agreement was eventually signed between the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and MIL for 30 years, effective from 2009.
As a result, nearly 16 years of the lease period had already elapsed, leaving only about 14 years remaining. Efforts were subsequently initiated at the Ministry of Civil Aviation level to secure a fresh 30-year lease period for GMR, a demand that has now reportedly been approved.
Sources described the development as a major boost for Nagpur airport’s growth prospects, as it provides long-term operational certainty and paves the way for large-scale infrastructure investments.
GMR is understood to be fully prepared to assume control of the airport and begin development activities immediately after receiving all necessary approvals from the Central Government.
Takeover Ceremony on June 25
The formal takeover ceremony of Nagpur airport by the GMR Group is scheduled to be held on June 25, 2026, at 10 am.
The event will be attended by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu.
Other dignitaries expected to be present include Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, Guardian Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol, Minister Ashish Jaiswal, Rajya Sabha MP Maya Ivnate, Nagpur Mayor Neeta Thakre and Ramtek MP Shyamkumar Barve.
The event is being jointly organised by MIL and GMR Group Chairman G. M. Rao.
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