Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport Achieves ACI Accessibility Enhancement Accreditation Level 2
- Hyderabad Airport has received ACI Level 2 accessibility accreditation.
- The certification recognises progress in inclusive services, staff training and daily operations.
- Accessibility is now becoming a core part of airport service quality, not just compliance.
Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport recently achieved Level 2 certification through the ACI Accessibility Enhancement Accreditation program. This certification recognises how the airport is incorporating accessibility into its daily operations and passenger services. It places the facility among a growing number of airports worldwide that are being acknowledged for making these improvements a core part of their service model.
The accreditation, announced by GMR Hyderabad International Airport Ltd (GHIAL), marks the latest milestone in the airport’s efforts to create a more inclusive travel environment for passengers with disabilities and reduced mobility. It follows RGIA’s attainment of Level 1 accreditation last year, demonstrating continued progress within ACI’s structured accessibility framework.
The ACI Accessibility Enhancement Accreditation programme is the aviation industry’s only international accreditation dedicated exclusively to airport accessibility. It provides a roadmap for airports to assess, improve and continuously enhance accessibility standards across infrastructure, passenger services, staff training, governance, technology and customer experience.
According to ACI, the programme is designed to help airports establish a culture of accessibility while aligning with international best practices, Universal Design principles and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
The framework covers a wide spectrum of passenger needs, including physical, sensory, cognitive and mobility-related requirements.
Level 2 accreditation typically reflects the implementation of a formal accessibility plan supported by governance structures, employee training and inclusive passenger services.
Airports at this stage are expected to demonstrate that accessibility considerations are becoming embedded in day-to-day operations rather than being treated as standalone initiatives.
Commenting on the achievement, Kadhir Kadhiravan, Chief Executive Officer of GMR Hyderabad International Airport Limited, said: “This recognition reaffirms our belief that accessibility is not about compliance—it is integral to delivering equitable experiences for every traveller. We remain committed to advancing further within the ACI Accessibility framework and setting new benchmarks in inclusive airport experiences. We sincerely thank our teams and stakeholders whose unwavering dedication made this achievement possible.”
The recognition comes at a time when accessibility is becoming an increasingly important focus area for airports globally. ACI notes that around one in six people worldwide live with a significant disability, while ageing populations and rising rates of chronic health conditions are increasing demand for accessible transport infrastructure. Airports are therefore under growing pressure to ensure that travel remains seamless, dignified and independent for all passengers.
For Hyderabad Airport, the accreditation adds to a growing portfolio of international recognitions in passenger experience and operational excellence.
Over the past decade, RGIA has consistently invested in technology-driven passenger services, terminal infrastructure and customer experience initiatives as it positions itself among India’s leading aviation gateways.
GMR Airports is strengthening its focus on inclusivity and designing services around the passenger. With today’s travel expectations changing, accessibility is not just a regulatory issue, it is at the heart of the service quality now.
As the Hyderabad airport climbs up the ACI framework’s higher levels, it will need to embed accessibility deeper into its infrastructure, digital systems and overall operations.
Level 2 is a milestone for the airport, but the work continues as they work to create an environment where every traveller can navigate the terminal with confidence and dignity.
With 40+ years of experience in the print and audio-visual media, Tirthankar (TG) has been interested in aviation – specially air cargo – for well over a decade. He has produced high quality content generating several leads within the industry and carved out his niche in air cargo and logistics. He contributes regularly to Cruising Heights, Air Cargo News Flying Typers from New York among other publications.
