I liked this article more because of its narrative style, which resembles five point someone. Its about a self-confessed "75%" person's view of the "toppers". Nice ending though. :)
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/msid-2947772,prtpage-1.cms
June 18, 2008
June 15, 2008
The Hyderabad Airport - review
First up, the background. I went to hyd in may, and returned a couple of days back. I flew by lufthansa, and there wasn't any other airline flying around the same time as I was. So the airport was relatively empty. That said, the number of people on the plane was in excess of 250, and begumpet was really bad at handling the same schedule.
Now, the airport looks pretty modern. Its not a mix of concrete without any ventilation. Its a futuristic, steel-and-glass structure. It gives you the feeling that you can see through it, from one side to the other. If you have passed through IAD (Washington Dulles), you will know what I am saying. The immigration and emigration is a breeze. It took me about two and a half hours to go through begumpet, last time round. It took me about fifteen to twenty min to do the same here. So, on that count, its ammmaazzzing! Its got all the duty-free shops you would see in any other airport, and the prices. I am not kidding. An idli would cost you 80rs, and a vada, 100. So, its not all hunky-dowry, but thats how it is. And without your knowing, you are paying 25$ more than you would've paid had you flown to begumpet. Thats thanks to the UDF (User Development Fee).
Next up, the approach road. The airport manager, GMR, owns 4000 acres, and only a small part of it is the airport. There's already a new novotel right next to the airport. A few more hotels and malls are set to come up in the next couple of years. And the airport is at the other end of the 4000 acres, so the airport is about 7 kms from the time you enter the GMR compound. The drive is a pleasure on the bangalore highway, and inside the GMR compound. Until there, its a bit of a hassle, but beyond 10 in the night, its not that much of a problem.
I love exploring new airports, and I have this special place for some of them. Its not just because this airport is in my home town, I really think this airport is one of the really nice ones. The staff, the layout, the hassle-free setup, all of it adds up. And its just 20% of the total planned. Its got that charm. Its got that feeling which makes you feel really happy when you land there. There's no other airport that I would want to land in, to welcome me home.
I love it... and I am sure you will... until... ?
Now, the airport looks pretty modern. Its not a mix of concrete without any ventilation. Its a futuristic, steel-and-glass structure. It gives you the feeling that you can see through it, from one side to the other. If you have passed through IAD (Washington Dulles), you will know what I am saying. The immigration and emigration is a breeze. It took me about two and a half hours to go through begumpet, last time round. It took me about fifteen to twenty min to do the same here. So, on that count, its ammmaazzzing! Its got all the duty-free shops you would see in any other airport, and the prices. I am not kidding. An idli would cost you 80rs, and a vada, 100. So, its not all hunky-dowry, but thats how it is. And without your knowing, you are paying 25$ more than you would've paid had you flown to begumpet. Thats thanks to the UDF (User Development Fee).
Next up, the approach road. The airport manager, GMR, owns 4000 acres, and only a small part of it is the airport. There's already a new novotel right next to the airport. A few more hotels and malls are set to come up in the next couple of years. And the airport is at the other end of the 4000 acres, so the airport is about 7 kms from the time you enter the GMR compound. The drive is a pleasure on the bangalore highway, and inside the GMR compound. Until there, its a bit of a hassle, but beyond 10 in the night, its not that much of a problem.
I love exploring new airports, and I have this special place for some of them. Its not just because this airport is in my home town, I really think this airport is one of the really nice ones. The staff, the layout, the hassle-free setup, all of it adds up. And its just 20% of the total planned. Its got that charm. Its got that feeling which makes you feel really happy when you land there. There's no other airport that I would want to land in, to welcome me home.
I love it... and I am sure you will... until... ?
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