Tag: Delhi Airport

Spotlight

GM Rao: From Andhra Roots to Global Runways

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GMR Group founder GM Rao has earned the moniker “Airport Tycoon of India”, and for good reason. Under his leadership, the GMR Group operates and manages India’s largest airports while also expanding its influence in Greece, the Philippines, and beyond.

Born in a small town in Andhra Pradesh, GM Rao began his entrepreneurial journey in 1978 with a jute mill. Over the years, that seed of ambition grew into a diversified empire comprising 28 companies across energy, transportation, aviation, and urban infrastructure.

With a net worth of ₹25,060 crore, Rao stands among India’s 100 richest individuals, as per Forbes.

🏢 GMR Group at a Glance:

  • Revenue: ₹10,836 crore
  • Key Companies: GMR Airports, GMR Infrastructure, GMR Energy, GMR Enterprises
  • Airport Portfolio:
    • Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi
    • Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad
    • Manohar International Airport, Goa
    • Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport, Nagpur (in collaboration with MIHAN India)

Internationally, GMR has active airport projects in Greece and the Philippines, making it the second-largest private airport operator globally.

In January 2024, GMR further cemented its commitment to aviation by launching the GMR School of Aviation in Hyderabad, in collaboration with Airbus. This initiative aims to nurture the next generation of aviation professionals.

Beyond infrastructure, GM Rao also owns a 50% stake in IPL team Delhi Capitals, blending business with the cricketing passion of millions.

💡 Visionary in PPP Projects

One of Rao’s lasting legacies is his effective use of the public-private partnership (PPP) model. Through this approach, GMR has led transformative projects that bridge gaps in critical infrastructure, fuel growth, and create sustainable models of development.

GM Rao’s story is a masterclass in vision, perseverance, and nation-building. From a single jute mill to shaping the future of air travel and infrastructure in India and abroad, he remains a monumental figure in the country’s economic landscape.

#TravelwithAllycaral 👒

Delhi Airport Chaos: 205 Flights Delayed, Departures Run an Hour Late After Dust Storm

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A severe dust storm swept through Delhi, causing widespread disruptions at the Indira Gandhi International Airport. The extreme weather conditions led to significant flight delays and diversions, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded and frustrated.

Flight Disruptions
At least 205 flights were delayed, with an average departure delay of one hour. Additionally, around 50 flights were diverted from their scheduled destinations, further exacerbating the chaos. Airlines such as Air India and IndiGo issued advisories to passengers, but the measures did little to alleviate the inconvenience.

Passenger Ordeals
Many passengers shared their harrowing experiences, detailing the extensive delays and logistical challenges they faced. One passenger on an Air India flight from Srinagar to Mumbai via Delhi recounted:

  • The flight was diverted to Chandigarh due to the dust storm and later returned to Delhi at 11 pm.
  • Passengers were then asked to board another flight to Mumbai at 12 am, only to wait in the aircraft for four hours before being deboarded and forced to undergo security checks again.
  • As of 8 am, the flight had still not taken off, leaving passengers stranded for over 12 hours.

A 75-year-old wheelchair-bound woman on the same flight expressed her distress, stating that she had been waiting at the airport since 11 pm, unable to land in Delhi due to the storm.

Airport Response
Airport officials acknowledged the chaos, attributing it to the diversion and cancellation of flights. The surge in passengers at the airport led to congestion and further delays.


The severe dust storm and resulting flight disruptions have highlighted the challenges faced by airports in managing extreme weather conditions. As the situation continues to unfold, passengers are advised to stay informed about flight status and plan accordingly.