The civil aviation industry in Andhra Pradesh is undergoing rapid transformation with various low-cost airlines connecting new destinations, particularly from the Gannavaram airport, which holds the key to the development of the capital region.
Expansion plansTurbo Megha Airways Pvt. Ltd. (Trujet) is the latest entrant. It has launched flights from Vijayawada to Hyderabad, Tirupati, and Kadapa in the last few months. It is set to operate flights from Vijayawada to Chennai from June 14. Air India, Spice Jet, and Air Costa are already operating from Vijayawada to New Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Visakhapatnam. Introduction of direct flights to the national Capital is a major positive development for the civil aviation sector in Amaravati.
Construction of the new airport terminal building and expansion of the Gannavaram airport are on at a brisk pace. “Land acquisition for the new runway is in an advanced stage. Work is apace on construction of the terminal building,” said G. Madhusudan Rao, Airport Director, Gannavaram.
The Customs Department is ready to set up its office once the Centre gives its clearance.
Enhanced connectivityThe upgrading of non-metro airports at Vijayawada, Rajahmundry, and Kadapa, for which the State government signed an MoU with the Airports Authority of India, comes at an opportune time as the State is looking for enhanced connectivity post-bifurcation, particularly to Southeast Asian countries. Delegations from Singapore, Malaysia, and Japan are visiting the State to pursue major development projects in Amaravati.
