𝐀𝐢𝐫𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐀𝐧𝐝𝐡𝐫𝐚 𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐡 – Domestic & International

Andhra Pradesh, which lies on the southeastern coast of India, has many international and domestic airports. These airports have connected cities and places worldwide. The state aims to transform into a key logistics hub, not only for India but also for South Asia. The ongoing expansion of existing airports in Andhra Pradesh, and the establishment of new ones, aims to enhance connectivity, particularly in remote areas. The focus on better connections has increased tourism, improved living standards, and created jobs. 

List of Airports in Andhra Pradesh

There are a total of 11 airports in Andhra Pradesh. Of these 2 are under construction, and 2 are currently not operational.

International Airports in Andhra Pradesh

There are three operational international airports in Andhra Pradesh that are driving connectivity and economic growth.  These airports, well-connected to major cities, have enhanced air travel, making it easier for people to commute. Also, a new airport in Bhogapuram, just 50 km from Visakhatpatnam, is currently under construction, promising further improvements. 

The international airports in Andhra Pradesh have led to the overall development of the region, attracting investments, boosting tourism, trade, and real estate industries. 

1. Visakhapatnam International Airport

Visakhapatnam International Airport (ICAO: VOVZ, IATA: VTZ) is a customs airport located in the largest city of Andhra Pradesh. It also acts as a civil enclave situated on the Indian Navy air base known as INS Dega. The airport is just 8 km away from the city centre. 

Visakhapatnam airport that serves this city is the second busiest airport in Andhra Pradesh. Managed by both the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and the Indian Navy, the airport operates 24/7.

2. Tirupati International Airport

Tirupati Airport (ICAO: VOTP, IATA: TIR), also known as Renigunta Airport, is just 40km away from the famous Tirupati Balaji Temple. It sits close to National Highway 71 and covers 312 acres of land with one runway. The airport is modern, with a single terminal that can handle 500 domestic and 200 international passengers at once. 

Tirupati is famous for its cultural and religious heritage, especially the Tirupati Balaji Temple, which attracts many visitors. 

Interesting Fact: The airport requires planes to fly no more than an altitude of 853 m (2,799 ft) because the Venkateswara Temple which is located on the nearby hill of Tirumala, is considered sacred. The temple’s Agama Shastras say that no flying object can fly higher than the height of the temple.

Tirupati Airport is a key connection for pilgrims and travellers heading to the sacred town of Tirumala. (Source: Wikimedia)

Established In	1971
International Status	Achieved in 2017
Runway	Current: 2,286 m x 45 m Expanding to 3,810 m (12,500 ft)
Terminal Area	16,500 sqm
IATA Code	VTZ
ICAO Code	VOVZ
Terminal Capacity	500 domestic and 200 international passengers at a time
Aircraft Handling Capacity	Airbus A320 Family, Boeing’s 737 Family jetliners
Distance From City Centre	15 km
Area Served	Tirupati
Owned By	Airports Authority of India
Address	Tirupati Airport Rd, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh – 517520

3. Vijayawada International Airport

Vijayawada is known for its rich cultural legacy and thriving business activities. Recognizing its significance, Vijayawada Airport achieved international status, marking a milestone in the region’s growth. The construction of a new terminal building further highlights its role as a key contributor to the state’s economy.

Expansion Plans: A new integrated terminal building at Vijayawada (Gannavaram) Airport is under construction. It is expected to be completed by June 2024. The expansion involves constructing a modern terminal, providing enhanced facilities for domestic and international travellers, and accommodating larger aircraft. The estimated cost of the project is Rs 11 crore. 

Situated in Gannavaram, the Vijayawada airport is along National Highway 16, linking Chennai to Kolkata. (Source: Wikimedia)

4. Bhogapuram International Airport (Under Construction)

Bhogapuram Airport is a greenfield airport under construction in Bhogapuram. It is one of the new airports in Andhra Pradesh. The airport is being developed to relocate civilian operations from the existing Visakhapatnam Airport. This addresses the limitations of the current Visakhapatnam Airport, operating as a civil enclave on a naval airfield. The new airport plans to have a 3,800m long runway. Upon completing Phase 1, the terminal is expected to handle 6 million passengers annually. The project is slated for completion by March 2025, with phased development.

• Bhogapuram Airport covers a 2,200-acre site.

• The new airport plans a 3,800m long runway.

• Phase 1 targets a 6 million passenger capacity, rising to 12 million in Phase 2, and 18 million by Phase 3.

Phase 1 is estimated at Indian Rs.4592 Crores.

Domestic Airports in Andhra Pradesh

With domestic flights operating from airports in Kurnool, Kadapa, Puttaparthi, and Rajahmundry, these air links have contributed to the development of remote areas. This has helped with connectivity and also with socio-economic development. The airports play a role in promoting businesses and tourism, and also positively impact real estate.

5. Kadapa Airport

Kadapa Airport, inaugurated in 2015, serves the city of Kadapa (formerly Cuddapah). The domestic airport facilitates travel, linking Kadapa to various major cities like Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Vijayawada, and Visakhapatnam. 

Kadapa Airport is set to be upgraded with night landing, expanded runway, and four new aprons on 70 acres of land. A new domestic terminal for 700 passengers during peak hours is also in the works. The new terminal size will be a whopping 16,455 sqm. 

6. Kurnool Airport

Kurnool Airport (Orvakal Airport), started operations on March 28, 2021. With direct flights to Bangalore, Visakhapatnam, and Chennai, it brings Kurnool closer to major South Indian hubs. The airport is officially called Uyyalawada Narasimha Reddy Airport, honouring freedom fighter Uyyalawada Narasimha Reddy from Kurnool.

Discussions are underway for a pilot training institute and aircraft repair center.

7. Rajahmundry Airport

Rajahmundry Airport, situated in Madhurapudi, serves the city and is located 16 km north of Rajahmundry. Rajahmundry Airport currently connects to Hyderabad, Chennai, and Bengaluru with 126 weekly flights. A new terminal costing Rs 350 crore is under construction, spanning 21,094 sqm. It aims to serve 2100 passengers per hour and 30 lakh annually, making the airport an international standard.

Terminal building at Rajahmundry airport is undergoing a Rs 350 Crore expansion (Source: Wikimedia)

8. Proposed Nellore Airport 

Nellore Airport is a proposed greenfield project near Dagadarthi. Spanning 1,352 acres it will be a low-cost airport developed by AAI. The estimated cost of this airport is almost Rs 368 crore. The airport is set to feature a passenger terminal, a runway, cargo facilities, and car parking. It is one of the new airports in Andhra Pradesh being planned after Bhogapuram. 

Details:

• Area: 1,352 acres

• Aircraft Handling Capacity: Small ATR-72-600 type aircraft

• Terminal Capacity: Accommodates around 200 passengers at peak hours

• Area served: Nellore

• Owner: APADCL (Andhra Pradesh Airports Development Corporation Limited)

• Address: Dagadarthi Mandal, Nellore District, Andhra Pradesh 

Upcoming Airports in Andhra Pradesh

The state government has started preparing to construct two new greenfield airports in Andhra Pradesh. These two will be located in two cities-

9. Greenfield Airports in Amaravati

Amravati Airport in Andhra Pradesh is expected to reduce the passengers congestion at Vijayawada Gannavaram Airport. It will help boost investments and take the growth of IT and industrial sectors in the state to the new heights.

10. Greenfield Airports in Srikakulam

Another airport has been planned to be constructed in Srikakulam. It will help streamline air travel for citizens living in various districts located nearby.

According to officials, the government has already invited tenders for consultancy firms interested in preparing the TEFR (Technical and Economic Feasibility Report) for these two upcoming airports. 

Andhra Pradesh Airports Development Corporation will complete the firm selection process through online bid submission by the end of March 2025. The chosen firm will be responsible for assessing location sustainability, environmental impact, and financial models for the construction of both greenfield airports in Andhra Pradesh.

Other Airports in Andhra Pradesh

Apart from international and domestic airports in Andhra Pradesh, there are a few other types of airports as well. They are: 

Sri Sathya Sai Airport (Private)

Sri Sathya Sai Airport is a private airport situated in Puttaparthi. It is named after the spiritual guru Sathya Sai Baba. The airport is primarily designed for chartered flights. It started operating in 1990 to aid the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences during emergencies. Serving as an entry point to Puttaparthi, the airport ensures a comfortable travel experience with modern facilities for passengers.

Donakonda Airport (Airstrip, Non-Operational)

Donakonda Airport (ICAO: VODK) in Andhra Pradesh, India, was built by the British during World War II for aircraft refuelling. Currently closed, the Airports Authority of India owns it. Although there are plans for redevelopment, no further progress has been made.

Nagarjuna Sagar Airport (Flying School, Non-Operational)

Nagarjuna Sagar Airport (ICAO: VONS) is located in Guntur District. The airport serves the Macherla area and is owned by the Airports Authority of India. It was assigned to a flight training institute in 2007. Currently, plans are underway to upgrade it for scheduled commercial operations. The AAI is also considering  the option to develop it into a water aerodrome for seaplanes.

Summing Up Airports in Andhra Pradesh

The development and expansion of airports in Andhra Pradesh is making travel easier. These hubs are changing the region, linking smaller cities and faraway places. This development has given a boost to real estate too, with property values rising and new investment opportunities opening up.

Also read: Biggest Airports in India