Vijayawada International Airport Targets New Terminal Launch by October–November 2026

Vijayawada International Airport is expected to commission its long-awaited new terminal building by October or, at the latest, November 2026, following directions issued by the Airport Advisory Committee (AAC). The timeline was finalised during a high-level review meeting chaired by Machilipatnam MP and AAC Chairman Vallabhaneni Balashowry along with Vijayawada MP and Co-chairman Kesineni Sivanath.

The committee reviewed the progress of the terminal project at Gannavaram Airport and instructed officials to ensure that the remaining construction work is completed within the revised deadline. According to the committee, the Union government has appointed a new contractor to accelerate construction, with work now progressing at an improved pace.

Alongside the terminal project, the committee discussed plans to strengthen the airport’s international presence. Proposals have been submitted to introduce direct flight services to Sri Lanka and Dubai, while efforts are also underway to attract Emirates to operate from Vijayawada. If implemented, the service would provide seamless connectivity to destinations across the United States, Europe and Africa, benefiting business travellers and the large Non-Resident Indian community from Andhra Pradesh.

Domestic connectivity also remains a priority. The committee recommended introducing additional flights to Varanasi, Kolkata, Kochi, Goa and Ahmedabad, besides increasing flight frequency to Mumbai with morning and evening services.

Improving surface connectivity between the airport and Amaravati was another major focus. Authorities are preparing a Detailed Project Report for a new seven-kilometre four-lane road linking the airport directly with the Vijayawada West Bypass. The proposed corridor is expected to reduce travel time to Amaravati, Guntur and Hyderabad while easing traffic congestion around the airport.

A separate ₹37.70 crore alternative link road connecting the airport to National Highway 16 through the HCL campus has also been proposed. Officials estimate that this route could reduce travel time to Amaravati by 15 to 20 minutes.

With the new terminal, improved road infrastructure and expanded domestic and international connectivity, Vijayawada International Airport is poised to emerge as a key aviation gateway for Andhra Pradesh, supporting tourism, business travel, investments and the state’s long-term infrastructure development strategy.