Vijayawada airport's new terminal to be ready by October with expanded facilities

The new terminal at Vijayawada International Airport in Gannavaram is expected to be completed by October and inaugurated shortly after, Airport Director M. Lakshmi Kantha Reddy announced.

The Airports Authority of India awarded the contract to a new contractor in June, according to Reddy, who was speaking at an interactive meeting organised by AP Chambers at its Vijayawada office. The upgraded facility will feature multi-level operations, six aerobridges, escalators, state-of-the-art technology and enhanced passenger amenities, along with provisions for future expansion.

Current Operations and Connectivity

Vijayawada airport currently handles 22 flights and around 2,000 passengers daily, with parking capacity for 26 aircraft. The airport connects to several major domestic destinations and operates international services to Singapore and Sharjah three times a week.

Fly91 is set to introduce morning flights between Vijayawada and Tirupati, which would benefit devotees travelling to the temple town, Reddy said.

Hub-and-Spoke Model Planned

Direct flights to Dubai would be particularly beneficial for passengers travelling onwards to Europe and America, the Airport Director said. A hub-and-spoke model could be introduced once the new terminal becomes operational.

Under the proposed model, international passengers would be able to complete security and baggage check-in procedures at Vijayawada airport itself, making onward international travel more convenient, he explained.

Cargo Infrastructure in Focus

The long-term plan includes establishing an exclusive integrated cargo terminal at the airport, Reddy said. Until a dedicated facility is built, the existing terminal could be converted for cargo operations, he added.

AP Chambers president Potluri Bhaskara Rao said the Chamber had been working for the development of Vijayawada airport for several years, considering infrastructure development integral to industrial growth. The Chamber has been periodically submitting suggestions for improving airport facilities and connectivity, he said.

Bhaskar Rao highlighted strong passenger demand for direct connectivity from Vijayawanda to Dubai, as well as hub-and-spoke connectivity to major international destinations. He also called for convenient flight timings between Vijayawada and other cities in Andhra Pradesh, and suggested setting up a dedicated cold-storage cargo facility at the airport to facilitate the transportation of perishable products.

Reddy acknowledged the role played by AP Chambers in the development of Vijayawada airport over the years.

Source: The Hindu