Begumpet Airport (BPM)

Begumpet Airport (BPM) is a historic aviation landmark located in the heart of Hyderabad, India. Once the city's primary international gateway, it was officially replaced for commercial airline traffic in 2008 by the larger Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Shamshabad. Today, the airport has been successfully repurposed as a critical strategic and training hub, serving as the Begumpet Air Force Station for the Indian Air Force and hosting major institutions such as the Rajiv Gandhi Aviation Academy and the Telangana State Aviation Academy. While the days of scheduled commercial flights are over, the airport remains extremely active as a center for general aviation and VIP travel. The facility serves as the primary landing site for private aircraft carrying high-profile business leaders, politicians, and government officials visiting the Telangana state capital. The terminal infrastructure, which once managed millions of domestic and international passengers, now specifically caters to the needs of private jet operators, providing streamlined security and specialized ground handling services that are not available at the larger commercial hub. Begumpet has also gained international fame as the permanent venue for "Wings India," the country’s premier biennial civil aviation exhibition and air show. During this event, organized by the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), the airport’s vast apron and terminal spaces are transformed into a massive exhibition floor. These events showcase the latest innovations in aviation technology, featuring both spectacular aerial displays and static exhibitions of the world’s most advanced civil and military aircraft. Ground transportation at BPM is exceptionally convenient due to its central location within the city of Hyderabad. Arriving private travelers have immediate access to the city’s major business districts via pre-arranged luxury car services or local taxis. The airport is well-integrated with the city's infrastructure, being located just a few kilometers from major commercial hubs like Somajiguda and Banjara Hills. While public amenities like restaurants and retail shops are now limited outside of major events, the surrounding urban area offers a full range of high-end dining and accommodation options within minutes of the main airport gates.