Andhra Pradesh has unveiled an ambitious aviation roadmap that seeks to expand air connectivity across the State through a series of airport, water aerodrome and aviation infrastructure projects driven largely by private investment.
According to the State Government’s New Aviation Policy 2024-30, Andhra Pradesh aims to ensure that every region has access to airport facilities within a radius of around 150 kilometres, positioning aviation as a key pillar of economic development, logistics growth and regional connectivity.
The policy, issued by the Department of Investments and Infrastructure, places significant emphasis on public-private partnership (PPP) models to develop aviation assets ranging from international airports and regional airfields to heliports and low-cost aviation facilities.
A central objective of the policy is to expand the State’s aviation footprint beyond its existing airport network.
As reported by The Hindu BusinessLine, the government plans to establish 10 greenfield airports and 10 water aerodromes over the next four years as part of its connectivity strategy.
The proposed airport projects include:
• Amaravati
• Dagadarthi (Nellore district)
• Kuppam (Chittoor district)
• Palasa (Srikakulam district)
• Nagarjunasagar (Palnadu district)
• Tuni (Kakinada district)
• Ongole (Prakasam district)
• Tadepalligudem (West Godavari district)
• Anantapur
These projects will complement the upcoming Bhogapuram International Airport, which is nearing inauguration.
The policy outlines a broader vision of improving accessibility while supporting trade, tourism and economic activity across districts that currently have limited aviation infrastructure.
Beyond conventional airports, the State has identified a network of locations for the development of water aerodromes aimed at boosting tourism and regional transport.
According to the policy details reported by BusinessLine, proposed stretches include:
• Gandipochamma to Pochavaram
• Antarvedi to Razole
• Dowleswaram Barrage to Kadiyam
• Both banks of the Godavari near Rajahmundry
• Vijayawada to Amaravati
• Muktyala to Puttagudem
• Nagarjunasagar to Srisailam
• Srisailam Reservoir to Somasila
• Gandikota to Mylavaram
The government expects these facilities to strengthen connectivity while creating new tourism opportunities across river and reservoir corridors.
A defining feature of the aviation policy is its reliance on private sector participation.
The government proposes to develop a significant share of aviation infrastructure projects through PPP arrangements, including major airport developments.
Bhogapuram International Airport is already being executed under a PPP framework, while the proposed airport at Amaravati is expected to follow a similar structure. Developers selected for such projects will be offered long-term lease arrangements.
The policy also extends the PPP model to smaller aviation assets, including airstrips, heliports and water aerodromes.
By adopting this approach, the State aims to attract private investment while reducing the fiscal burden associated with large-scale infrastructure creation.
The policy extends beyond airport construction and seeks to create a broader aviation economy within Andhra Pradesh.
According to the policy document, the government intends to strengthen:
• Air connectivity
• Air cargo and logistics infrastructure
• Aviation skill development
• Aerospace manufacturing capabilities
• Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) services
The initiative reflects the State’s ambition to establish a multi-modal aviation ecosystem capable of supporting passenger traffic, cargo movement and aviation-related industries.
To enhance the commercial sustainability of airport projects, the State plans to encourage non-aeronautical revenue generation around aviation assets.
Developers will be permitted to create supporting infrastructure such as:
• Office complexes
• Hotels
• Convention centres
• Healthcare facilities
• Trade and logistics hubs
• Business parks
• Manufacturing units
• Skill development centres
The government also plans to develop integrated airport cities around selected aviation hubs through long-term lease arrangements under the PPP model.
These developments are intended to create economic clusters that generate employment, attract investment and strengthen the financial viability of airport infrastructure.
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