/press-releases
  • The current expansion reinforces GMR Aero Duty Free's status as the leading Duty-Free operator in India and South Asia; Focusing on destination-led experiences, premium global brands and locally inspired offerings

New Delhi/ Hyderabad/ Visakhapatnam, August 17: GMR Aero Duty Free announced the expansion of its travel retail portfolio with the launch of Vizag Duty Free at Visakhapatnam International Airport and the unveiling of the transformed new Hyderabad Duty Free Departure Store at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport. The twin milestones form part of GMR Airports Limited's (GAL’s) strategy to further strengthen its non-aeronautical business by creating world-class travel retail destinations that blend global retail excellence with each destination's unique cultural identity.

As India's aviation sector is poised to witness sustained passenger growth, airport retail is evolving beyond conventional shopping into an integral part of the overall travel experience. Under GMR Aero Duty Free – GMR Airports, we are building a differentiated travel retail network that combines premium international brands, curated regional products, technology-enabled customer engagement and destination-inspired design to deliver memorable experiences for domestic and international travellers.

The cities of Hyderabad and Vizag reflect distinct regional identities; therefore, both our stores have been developed around a common philosophy of creating a strong sense of place, intuitive passenger journeys and immersive retail environments that celebrate local culture while offering globally benchmarked shopping experiences.

The newly transformed Hyderabad Duty Free Departure Store introduces a refreshed retail experience inspired by the rich heritage of Hyderabad and Telangana regions. The enhanced store features contemporary design, premium visual merchandising, an expanded Perfumes & Cosmetics destination, exclusive product launches and carefully curated Indian products, complementing the airport's award-winning 2,400 sq. m. Arrivals Duty Free Store—one of India's largest duty-free arrivals destinations.

The Vizag Duty Free would be the Airport’s flagship retail destination with its footprint both at Arrivals and Departure areas. Inspired by the theme "Where Coastal Heritage Meets Global Discoveries," the store showcases the cultural richness of Andhra Pradesh through interiors influenced by Kalamkari art, coastal textures and regional craftsmanship.
Alongside leading international brands, travellers can explore authentic regional products including Araku Coffee, Etikoppaka toy art and Kondapalli handicrafts, creating a distinctive shopping experience rooted in the destination.

GMR Aero Duty Free is progressively introducing customer-centric innovations across its travel retail network to enhance convenience and engagement. Hyderabad Duty Free offers flagship programmes such as Click & Collect (online ordering with promo) and Shop & Collect (Advance Booking at departures with promo) and the Partner Privilege Programme. These innovations are expected to progressively shape customer experiences across the expanding portfolio of GMR Aero Duty Free.

Mr. Rajesh Arora, President & CEO – Commercial & Growth, GMR Airports Limited (GAL), said:"At GMR Aero, we are building a future-ready travel retail ecosystem that goes beyond shopping to become an integral part of the airport experience. Our approach is anchored in three core principles—delivering exceptional customer service, creating world-class retail environments, and offering a carefully curated assortment of global brands and authentic local products supported by compelling customer propositions. As we expand our travel retail footprint across our airport network, our focus remains on creating destination-led experiences that celebrate the unique identity of every location while setting new benchmarks in passenger experience. This journey is made possible through the strong collaboration of our brand and business partners, whose continued support enables us to innovate and elevate airport retail in India."

Commenting on the expansion, Mr. Ashish Chopra, CEO – Group Duty Free Business, GMR Aero, said: "The expansion of our travel retail network reflects GMR Aero Duty Free's long-term vision of building India's most admired airport retail ecosystem. Hyderabad exemplifies our continued commitment to elevating flagship destinations through Innovation, premium brand partnerships, and exceptional customer experiences. At the same time, Vizag marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter—one that celebrates the rich cultural heritage and unique identity of Andhra Pradesh through a thoughtfully curated retail offering. As passenger expectations continue to evolve, we remain committed to delivering world-class retail experiences that seamlessly blend global excellence with authentic local character, creating memorable journeys across every airport we serve."

The expansion further strengthens GMR Airport’s broader strategy of enhancing airport commercial ecosystems by creating high-quality retail, food and beverage and passenger experience services and offerings that contribute to diversified non-aeronautical revenues while reinforcing its airports as destinations in their own right.

About GMR Airports Limited (Formerly GMR Airports Infrastructure Limited)

GMR Airports Limited (GAL) is a leading global airport platform company with over two decades of experience in designing, constructing, and operating world-class sustainable airports. Under the brand name “GMR AERO”, it offers pioneering aviation solutions in retail, aero services, and real estate. Groupe ADP joined the journey in 2020 as a strategic partner and is now a co-promoter in GAL.

As a platform business, GAL also provides a range of aero services including Duty Free, Retail, F&B, Cargo, Car Parking, O&M, and PMC services. Through its innovative Aerotropolis concept, it develops cutting-edge airport cities giving shape to best-in-class real estate developments in South Asia. GAL operates India's largest third-party Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility through its subsidiary, GMR Air Cargo and Aerospace Engineering Limited ensuring operational excellence across the Asia Pacific region.

GMR Innovex, a GMR Group entity, is developing and introducing a range of digital solutions to enhance the passenger journey and airport experience. Through GMR Aero Academy and GMR School of Aviation, the company is creating the talent pool necessary to drive the growth of the aviation sector in India (the third largest in the world). As one of the largest private airport operators in the world, GAL served over 121 million passengers in FY26 with a steadfast commitment to excellence in airport management as reflected in its consistent rankings for services by ACI and Skytrax. With a robust presence in India and Southeast Asia, the company operates key gateways such as Delhi, Hyderabad, Goa, and Medan airports, while extending its technical services to Mactan Cebu International Airport in the Philippines. GAL is also developing transformative projects like the greenfield airports in Bhogapuram (Visakhapatnam), India, and Crete, Greece.

GMR Group, the promoter of GAL, has a significant presence in Energy, Transportation, Urban Infrastructure, and Sports. Through its CSR arm, GMR Varalakshmi Foundation, GMR supports local communities, reflecting its commitment to improving quality of life by enhancing skills, providing education, and developing healthcare infrastructure and services. Groupe ADP develops and manages airports, including Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Paris-Orly, and Paris-Le Bourget. In 2025, the group handled, through its brand Paris Aéroport, 107 million passengers at Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Paris-Orly, and nearly 379 million passengers in airports in France and abroad. Boasting an exceptional geographic location and a major catchment area, the Group is pursuing its strategy of adapting and modernising its terminal facilities and upgrading the quality of services; the Group also intends to develop its retail and real estate businesses. In 2025, group revenue stood at €6,704 million and net income at €382 million.

For further information about GMR Group, visit https://www.gmrgroup.com

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For Further Information, please contact:

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  • Subhendu Ray
  • Sarvottamjee M Jaipuriar
  • AVP & COE Head-Media Relations
  • AGM, Manager-Media Relations

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