The Airports Authority of India (AAI) is contemplating to make temporary modifications at the Gannavaram airport shortly to meet the requirements of increasing passengers from Vijayawada and its surroundings areas.
Anticipating a flurry of activity in the wake of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s announcement in the State Assembly that the new Capital would be developed around the city, the AAI has chalked out plans to make modifications to the existing terminal building to cater to the needs of passengers as also airline companies that are planning to began operations from Gannavaram airport.
Proposals sent“We have sent the proposals along with estimates to the headquarters in New Delhi in this regard. We are waiting for the response. Once we get the permission, we will complete the work in a year,” a senior airport official said. The official explained that additional check-in counters and space for backend operations for new airline companies, spacious lounge for passengers and expansion of VIPs lounge would be taken up as part of the modification works.
“We have to take up works without disturbing the ongoing operations. We are only waiting for the clearance from higher-ups,” he said. Plans to make temporary changes to the terminal building were afoot as the previous proposals to develop a swanky arrival and departure terminal to meet the needs of passengers coming from foreign countries could take some more time.
According to the official, three airline companies are operating services from Gannavaram airport to Chennai, Bangalore and Hyderabad at present. At least two more companies are planning to begin their services shortly, he added.
