Vijayawada airport new terminal likely to be ready by October, says official

Vijayawada International Airport's new terminal is set to be completed by October and inaugurated shortly thereafter, according to Airport Director M. Lakshmi Kantha Reddy. The Airports Authority of India awarded the contract to a new contractor in June, and the terminal will boast multi-level operations, six aerobridges, escalators, advanced technology and enhanced passenger amenities.

Reddy mentioned that the terminal will also accommodate future expansions. Currently, the airport services 22 flights daily with approximately 2,000 passengers and has a parking capacity for 26 aircraft. It connects to significant domestic destinations and offers international services to Singapore and Sharjah thrice weekly. Fly91 plans to launch morning flights between Vijayawada and Tirupati, which will benefit devotees traveling to the temple town.

On the international front, direct flights to Dubai will be particularly advantageous for passengers who wish to fly onwards to Europe and America. Introducing a hub-and-spoke model once the new terminal is operational is also a possibility, allowing international passengers to complete security and baggage check-in procedures at Vijayawada airport, simplifying onward international travel.

For cargo purposes, the long-term plan includes establishing an exclusive integrated cargo terminal at the airport, with the current terminal convertible for cargo operations until a separate facility is constructed. AP Chambers president Potluri Bhaskara Rao noted that the Chamber has been advocating for Vijayawada airport's development for years, emphasizing that infrastructure development is vital for industrial growth.

The Chamber has consistently submitted suggestions to improve airport facilities and connectivity. Rao emphasized the strong demand for direct connectivity from Vijayawada to Dubai and hub-and-spoke connectivity to major international destinations, urging for convenient flight timings between Vijayawada and other cities in Andhra Pradesh.

He also proposed setting up a dedicated cold-storage cargo facility to facilitate the transportation of perishable goods. Airport Director Reddy acknowledged the significant role played by AP Chambers in the airport's development over the years. AP Chambers executive vice-president B. Raja Sekhar, general secretary Subbarao Ravuri, and members representing various sectors attended the meeting.