The Rajiv Gandhi International Airport [RGIA] on Thursday commenced operations from its second runway.

The new parallel runway (Rwy 09L/27R) is 3707 m long and is A 340 and B 747 compliant. GMR Hyderabad International Airport Limited, the operator of RGIA, has obtained clearances by DGCA to make this runway operational, making it the first greenfield airport in the region with two active runways.

With activation of this, RGIA can now continue flight operations uninterruptedly during its regular main runway maintenance on Tuesdays between 1330-1530 hrs.

Airport maintenance is a mandatory requirement for airports around the world. With the second runway being operational, continuity of flight operations on Tuesdays will enhance airside efficiency largely, thus making passenger transit through RGIA convenient.

Indigo Airlines flight 6E 315 from Chennai was the first aircraft to land on this runway.