Andhra Pradesh government has unveiled a broad plan to enhance air connectivity, promote regional routes, and position the state as a future-ready aviation hub. During a high-level review meeting, the Chief Minister proposed the establishment of a Civil Aviation University in Visakhapatnam and called for accelerated work on multiple airport projects currently underway.
The proposal comes at a time when India’s regional aviation sector is gaining momentum, with Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities emerging as high-potential air traffic zones. A dedicated Civil Aviation University, according to senior officials, could create a new generation of skilled professionals and help bridge the growing demand-supply gap in the sector. Visakhapatnam, with its coastal access and growing infrastructure, has been identified as a logical base for the institution.
The review meeting, attended by the Union Minister for Civil Aviation and senior state officials, covered ongoing developments at several airports, including Vijayawada, Rajamahendravaram and Kadapa. The Chief Minister stressed the importance of timely terminal construction, integration of highway access, and seamless first- and last-mile connectivity to ensure that infrastructure matches increasing passenger demand.
Union aviation officials briefed the state on the progress of technical feasibility studies at three new proposed airports: Dagadarthi, Kuppam and Palasa. These greenfield projects are part of a long-term plan to extend aviation access to underserved regions, which aligns with India’s UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme that promotes affordable regional air travel.
Additionally, the land acquisition and survey process for Amaravati Airport is progressing, with authorities signalling that preparatory works are on track. Meanwhile, existing airports in Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam have witnessed a 40 percent growth in operations over recent quarters, indicating robust market demand and rising investor interest.To support these developments, several new commercial routes are being prepared for rollout. TruJet is expected to begin operations from Visakhapatnam in October, while international flights connecting Vijayawada to Singapore and Tirupati to Muscat are scheduled to commence shortly. Moreover, the state has initiated talks for launching seaplane services post-monsoon, signalling a diversification in aviation offerings.
Industry sources also confirmed that the Qatar Aviation Fund has expressed interest in investing in the Bhogapuram Greenfield Airport project. This international participation could prove critical in building next-generation aviation infrastructure with sustainability at its core.These developments underscore Andhra Pradesh’s determination to enhance regional connectivity and fuel economic growth by leveraging aviation as a catalyst. The proposed university in Vizag and the integration of future-ready infrastructure reflect a shift towards holistic, long-term planning that combines education, mobility, and green development.
With aviation demand surging in non-metro cities and global partnerships emerging in India’s infrastructure space, Andhra Pradesh appears poised to become a major node in the country’s evolving air transport network. The coming months are likely to witness significant announcements as feasibility studies conclude and new routes and projects take flight.
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