Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has outlined ambitious plans for Andhra Pradesh’s aviation sector, including the establishment of seven new airports to complement the state’s existing seven operational airports. During a review meeting at his Undavalli residence, Naidu, along with Civil Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu, emphasized the need for an aviation university, a training center, and expanded aviation facilities.
Among the planned developments, Kuppam Airport will be built in two phases, with phase one spanning 683 acres and phase two covering 567 acres, totaling 1,250 acres. A feasibility report has been prepared, but considerations like airspace usage and No Objection Certificates from agencies like the Indian Air Force and Bengaluru International Airport are being addressed.
Other proposed airports include locations in Srikakulam, Dagadarthi, Nagarjuna Sagar, Tuni-Annavaram, Tadepalligudem, and Ongole. The Srikakulam airport’s feasibility survey is complete, and land acquisition for its 1,383-acre site is underway. Dagadarthi requires an additional 745 acres on top of the 635 acres acquired earlier. Proposals for airports at Sri City SEZ and Palnadu district near Nagarjuna Sagar are also being explored, pending land clearances and feasibility studies.
