AAI unveils expansion of Rajamahendravaram airport

Airports Authority of India (AAI) has planned to upgrade the Rajamahendravaram airport located between Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam to cater to the requirement of wide-bodied aircraft. The project, which entails an investment of ₹135 crore, involves the construction of a new terminal building and Instrument Landing System to facilitate the operation of aircraft in low visibility conditions. A new domestic departure terminal will also be constructed with modern facilities such as aerobridges to cater to the requirements of increasing air traffic. Airport Director Manoj Kumar Nayak, informed that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has already accorded permission to upgrade the airport for handling of A-321 and B-738 aircraft and coordinating with respective airlines. Currently, Rajamahendravaram is connected to Hyderabad, Bangalore and Chennai on a daily basis but now Indigo and TruJet airlines are keen to operate 25 new services to Tirupati, Chennai, Visakhapatnam, Hyderabad and Bangalore. The passenger traffic recorded growth to 28,900 passengers in December 2020, as against 7,700 in July 2020. The Bureau of Civil Aviation (BCA) regional director has completed inspection of interim cargo domestic terminal and expressed satisfaction and after getting security clearance cargo operation also commenced. Expansion of aprons is also under progress to accommodate 11 A-321type aircraft.