7 new airports in AP

Andhra Pradesh is set to receive a boost in aviation infrastructure as Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu announced plans to establish seven new airports across the State. The announcement was made during a review meeting held at his residence in Undavalli on Friday, attended by Union Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu and senior officials from the Airports Authority of India (AAI).
The Chief Minister highlighted the existing aviation network in the state, which includes seven airports: Visakhapatnam, Tirupati, Kadapa, Rajahmundry, Gannavaram (managed by AAI), Kurnool (state-managed), and Puttaparthi (a private airstrip). Additionally, the Bhogapuram International Airport is currently under development.
CM Naidu emphasized that increasing demand for aviation services has necessitated the establishment of additional airports. He revealed plans for new airports at Kuppam, Dagadarthy, Srikakulam, Tadepalligudem, Nagarjuna Sagar, Tuni-Annavaram, and Ongole.
He noted that many of these projects were initiated during the previous Telugu Desam Party government but had been stalled by the previous administration. The current coalition government is now focused on restarting these projects to meet future needs.
Kuppam Airport: A feasibility report has been prepared, with construction planned in two phases over 1,250 acres. The project requires NOCs due to its proximity to IAF, HAL, and Bangalore International Airport.
Srikakulam Airport: Land acquisition has begun for this two-phase project spanning 1,383 acres.
Dagadarthi Airport: The site, covering 1,379 acres, has all necessary permissions. Land acquisition for 635 acres is complete, and the airport will include industrial and cargo development.
Ongole Airport: Identified for development on 657 acres, with a feasibility study still pending.
Nagarjuna Sagar Airport: Planned on 1,670 acres in Palnadu district, requiring forest clearance for 500 acres.
Tadepalligudem Airport: Proposed on 1,123 acres, with a feasibility study underway due to the proximity of nearby airports.
Tuni-Annavaram Airport: Proposed on 757 acres, with good accessibility to railway lines, highways, and water bodies, enhancing its feasibility.
The Chief Minister stressed the importance of strategic location planning for new airports, highlighting industrial growth in Anakapalle and Nakkapalle as areas requiring aviation facilities. He also suggested exploring the possibility of an airport in Tadipatri.
Officials briefed the CM on the progress of the Bhogapuram International Airport and the expansion of Gannavaram Airport, which will feature designs inspired by Kuchipudi dance and Amaravati stupas. The expansion is expected to be completed by June.
The state government is also planning to establish an aviation university and training centre, anticipating a rise in private flight parking needs. The Chief Minister’s ambitious plans aim to transform Andhra Pradesh into a hub for aviation and industrial growth, enhancing connectivity and fostering economic development.