New Delhi, August 07, 2025: GMR AERO, Asia’s largest airport developer, has formally started operations of Delhi Duty Free outlets at Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi, effective July 28, 2025. This development marks a significant milestone for the company and positions GMR Aero as the largest national player in India’s duty-free retail business.

Following a competitive bidding process in April 2024, GMR AERO emerged as the Selected Bidder to design, develop, finance, set up, operate, manage, and maintain the duty-free outlets at IGI Airport.

Delhi Duty Free—India’s largest airport-based duty-free retail operation - has become a significant addition to GMR AERO’s expanding retail footprint. This addition complements its existing duty-free operations at Hyderabad International Airport, Manohar International Airport in Goa, and Kannur International Airport in Kerala. The inclusion of Delhi Duty Free positions GMR AERO as the largest duty-free operator in India and South Asia, further strengthening its presence in the global airport retail landscape.

This strategic move is a pivotal opportunity to elevate the scale, efficiency, and innovation potential of GMR Airport’s non-aeronautical business.

GBS Raju, Business Chairman – Airports, GMR Group, stated, “We are delighted to welcome Delhi Duty Free business into the GMR Aero family. This will certainly strengthen our leadership in airport retail and reflects our vision to transform the passenger experience. From luxury offerings to innovative technology, we are committed to reshaping the duty-free business in India.”

Rajesh Arora, President & CEO – Commercial & Growth, GMR Airports Limited, added, “Delhi Duty Free becoming part of GMR Airport’s Adjacency businesses marks a defining moment in our journey. This is more than just commercial integration; it is a convergence of talent, vision, and capabilities. This makes us the country’s and South Asia’s largest duty-free operator and reinforces our commitment to elevating airport retail and non-aeronautical services.”

Ashish Chopra, CEO – Group Duty Free Business, GMR Airports Limited, commented, “This milestone reflects GMR Airport’s evolving vision — from traditional retail to dynamic travel commerce. We are committed to delivering a seamless experience that blends global excellence with local charm, powered by digital transformation and human expertise. With Delhi Duty Free now part of GMR Aero’s portfolio, we are poised to define the next chapter of airport retail in India.”

This development aligns with GMR’s long-term strategy to enhance passenger engagement, strengthen its commercial ecosystem, and create scalable retail models that serve both international travelers and global retail partners. The Delhi Duty Free business, known for its wide portfolio of luxury, lifestyle, and specialty products, will continue to operate under the GMR Aero’s vision of delivering superior customer experience and operational excellence.

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 the largest private airport operator in Asia and the second-largest globally, GAL served over 120 million passengers in FY25 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.

As the pioneer of the Aerotropolis concept in India, GMR Airport Land Development is developing vibrant airport cities around Delhi, Hyderabad, and Goa airports, with GMR Aerocity Delhi and GMR Aerocity Hyderabad emerging as landmark business and leisure districts.

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 2024, the group handled through its brand Paris Aéroport 103.4 million passengers at Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Paris-Orly, and nearly 363.7 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 modernizing its terminal facilities and upgrading the quality of services; the group also intends to develop its retail and real estate businesses. In 2024, group revenue stood at €6,158 million and net income at €342 million.

For further information about GMR Group, visit, http://www.gmrgroup.in

For further details, please contact:

Prateek Chatterjee
Group Chief Communications Officer, GMR Group
Email: Prateek.Chatterjee@gmrgroup.in
Mobile: 9910201085

Subhendu Ray
COE Head-Media Relations, GMR Group
Email: subhendu.ray@gmrgroup.in
Mobile: 9971544011