The Union Civil Aviation Ministry has agreed to explore the feasibility of establishing seven new airports across Andhra Pradesh, following a recommendation by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu.
The Chief Minister has offered to allocate land for these new developments, prompting the centre to express its willingness to conduct the necessary studies.
Chief Minister Naidu has proposed new airports in Kuppam, his hometown; Dagadarthi in Nellore; and Nagarjuna Sagar in Palnadu district. In response, the centre has agreed to include Srikakulam, the hometown of Union Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu, in the feasibility study.
Notably, the upcoming Bhogapuram International Airport in Vizianagaram district is located near Srikakulam, further justifying its inclusion in the study.
“We have identified four locations – Srikakulam, Kuppam, Dagadarthi, and Nagarjuna Sagar – for conducting feasibility studies. We are prepared to commence work on the new airports as soon as the reports are completed,” stated Union Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu.
The Union Minister also mentioned that Ongole, Tadepalligudem, and the area between Tuni and Annavaram will be evaluated for airport feasibility in a second development phase.
Minister Naidu also noted that the Chief Minister had requested the centre to consider converting the private airport at Puttaparthi into a public facility.
Should the plans move forward, Andhra Pradesh would see a significant boost in aviation infrastructure, with the number of operational airports rising from the current seven to fourteen, reports The Hindu.
On the connectivity front, the Civil Aviation Ministry has announced plans to enhance flight services from Vijayawada to major cities including Mumbai, New Delhi, Bangalore, and Visakhapatnam.
“We have set an ambitious schedule to finalise Bhogapuram airport by 2026, complete the expansion of the Vijayawada runway by June 2025, Rajahmundry’s runway by August 2025, and Kadapa airport’s work by December 2025. We are optimistic that all these projects will be completed on time,” added Naidu.
In addition to airport development, the centre is preparing to unveil a new seaplane policy, which Naidu believes could significantly boost tourism in Andhra Pradesh.
He also revealed plans to introduce water aerodromes in Prakasam and Srisailam, a proposal that has received full backing from the Chief Minister.
The centre and state are now aligned in their vision to strengthen Andhra Pradesh’s aviation infrastructure, focusing on accelerating regional connectivity and boosting tourism.