New Delhi, July 18, 2024: The Andhra Pradesh government, led by Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu, is set to enhance the state’s aviation sector by constructing four to five additional airports. The vision includes establishing small airports near Kuppam, Dagadarthi, Nagarjuna Sagar, and Mulapeta, each strategically located to boost connectivity and accessibility. Airport Authority of India (AAI) officials have highlighted the need for 800 to 1,000 acres of land for these projects, capable of accommodating A320 aircraft. This initiative aims to facilitate smoother air travel, stimulate economic growth, and elevate Andhra Pradesh’s status in the aviation industry.
MP and state BJP president Daggubati Purandeswari also confirmed that three new airports are being planned in Andhra Prades “With NDA in power, both in the Centre and in the state, we are able to plan new airports at Kuppam, Dagadarthi and Mulapet,” she posted on ‘X’. The Rajahmundry MP said that positive developments have been made in Andhra Pradesh. “This development not only enhances connectivity, but also propels economic progress,” she said.
According to the reports published in india.com Kuppam in Chittoor district is the Assembly constituency of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, whose Telugu Desam Party (TDP) is a key partner in the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre. The other two airports are planned at Dagadarthi in Nellore district and Mulapeta in Srikakulam district.
The work on the international airport at Bhogapuram in Vizianagaram district also gathered pace after NDA came to power in the state. With K. Rammohan Naidu of Telugu Desam Party (TDP) becoming the civil aviation minister, the works at Bhogapuram are in full swing.
CM Naidu also visited Bhogapuram last week and directed GMR to complete the construction of the international airport by June 2026. The developer has assured that it will try to complete the project by December 2026.
CM Naidu stated that early completion of the airport was on top of the government’s agenda, as it would act as a growth catalyst and ensure speedy progress in both Srikakulam and Vizianagaram districts, besides Visakhapatnam.
Kuppam, located 85 kilometres from Bengaluru airport, has 600 acres of available land, and the govt is willing to acquire another 200 to 300 acres if required. The state govt is also considering redeveloping the Donakonda airstrip in Prakasam district, which was constructed during World War II .
