State officials said enhanced air connectivity would significantly benefit industrial corridors, medical tourism, educational institutions, port-based logistics

kiranmai tutika I amaravati

The Andhra Pradesh government has stepped up efforts to expand the state’s airport network, focusing on improved access to Tier-2 cities, industrial hubs and emerging tourism centres. As part of this strategy, the state government has formally requested the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to conduct a feasibility study for establishing a new airport at Tadepalligudem, a move aimed at improving connectivity in the West Godavari region.

According to officials, the proposal was submitted earlier this month along with preliminary land details, enabling AAI to initiate technical evaluations related to site suitability, airspace, demand potential and infrastructure requirements. The development was briefly acknowledged in the Lok Sabha, where the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation confirmed that the request from the Andhra Pradesh government had been received and feasibility assessment was underway.

The state government’s renewed emphasis on aviation infrastructure is aligned with its broader objective of linking Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities directly with major metros, reducing travel time and encouraging decentralised development.

Currently, Andhra Pradesh operates six functional airports, Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, Tirupati, Rajamahendravaram, Kadapa and Kurnool, which together serve as the backbone of the state’s air transport network. Among these, Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada airports function as major aviation gateways, offering direct connectivity to metropolitan cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad and Kolkata, along with select international destinations.

Airports at Tirupati and Rajamahendravaram play a crucial role in catering to pilgrimage, tourism and business travel, while Kadapa and Kurnool airports, developed under the UDAN regional connectivity scheme, are gradually improving access to the Rayalaseema region. However, officials acknowledge that large parts of the state, particularly coastal belts, north Andhra and interior agricultural regions, still remain beyond optimal air connectivity.

To bridge this gap, the government has proposed four new airports at Tadepalligudem, Kuppam, Srikakulam and Ongole, aimed at creating a geographically balanced aviation network. Preliminary feasibility studies for Kuppam, Srikakulam and Ongole have already been completed by AAI. The state government has subsequently submitted formal applications under the Greenfield Airports Policy to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, seeking site clearance and in-principle approvals.

State officials said enhanced air connectivity would significantly benefit industrial corridors, medical tourism, educational institutions, port-based logistics and agricultural exports, while also improving emergency and disaster-response capabilities. The government believes that strengthening air links between Tier-2 cities and metros will encourage private investment, promote tourism circuits and reduce regional imbalances.