October Target Set for Vijayawada Airport’s Expanded Terminal, Government Official Reports

A senior aviation official told The Hindu that the new passenger terminal at Vijayawada Airport is on track to open its doors in October. The project, part of a broader upgrade of the facility, is expected to bring modern amenities and increased handling capacity to the regional hub.

The terminal will be built across multiple levels and will include six aerobridges, a series of escalators, and state‑of‑the‑art technological systems. Passengers can look forward to upgraded lounges, digital information displays, and enhanced security checkpoints, all designed to streamline the travel experience.

Vijayawada Airport, which began commercial operations in 2019, has seen a steady rise in passenger traffic, crossing the one‑million mark in recent years. The existing infrastructure was originally sized for modest demand, prompting the current expansion to accommodate larger aircraft and higher flight frequencies. The new terminal is projected to raise the airport’s annual capacity to around 2.5 million passengers, aligning it with the growth trajectory of Andhra Pradesh’s economic corridors.

The upgrade dovetails with the Indian government’s Regional Connectivity Scheme (UDAN), which aims to improve air links to tier‑2 and tier‑3 cities. By adding more aerobridges and modern facilities, airlines can introduce additional routes, potentially connecting Vijayawada directly with major metros such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. The enhanced capacity is also expected to stimulate tourism in the Krishna district, known for its cultural sites and riverfront attractions.

Construction, which began in early 2022, is now in its final phases. The official indicated that testing of critical systems will commence next month, followed by a soft launch for select carriers before the full public opening in October. Once operational, the terminal will replace the older, single‑story building and is likely to attract new airlines seeking a foothold in the region’s growing market.