Hyderabad Airport earns ACI Accessibility Accreditation for excellence in passenger experience

Hyderabad: The Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA), operated by GMR Hyderabad International Airport Ltd. (GHIAL), has been awarded the ACI Accessibility Accreditation - Level 1 by Airports Council International (ACI) World. The announcement was made by GHIAL on Tuesday.

About the accreditation

The ACI Accessibility Enhancement Accreditation Program is a global framework developed by ACI World to assist airports in assessing and improving accessibility for all passengers. Level 1 is the entry-level accreditation in the program, which recognises airports that have initiated policies and practices to improve accessibility standards.

Evaluation parameters

RGIA received the accreditation after being evaluated across multiple criteria:

Physical Infrastructure: The presence of accessible ramps, clear and inclusive signage and restrooms designed to accommodate passengers with disabilities.

Passenger Services: Availability of assistance programs, communication aids and dedicated support services.

Staff Training: Capacity-building efforts to train personnel in inclusivity and accessibility.

Organisational Commitment: The airport’s internal policies, leadership focus and dedication to fostering an inclusive travel environment.

Pradeep Panicker, CEO of GMR Hyderabad International Airport Ltd., expressed his appreciation for the recognition: “We are honoured 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 traveller, regardless of physical or cognitive ability, feels welcomed, supported, and empowered.”

He further added, “We are dedicated to making every journey at the Hyderabad airport seamless and dignified for all through accessible infrastructure, customised facilities and improved capacity-building programs for staff.”

Future commitments

While Level 1 marks the initial phase of accessibility improvement, GHIAL has indicated plans to continue enhancing the airport’s inclusive facilities and services. The organisation aims to advance through higher levels of ACI accreditation in the future.

Rajiv Gandhi International Airport joins a growing list of global airports working towards improving inclusivity, marking a step forward for accessibility in Indian aviation.