Visakhapatnam, October 4, 2023 - The Airport Advisory Committee (AAC) convened today at Visakhapatnam Airport, chaired by Shri Mvv Satyanarayana Garu, MP, and coordinated by the Airport Director (APD), Shri Raja Reddy.

The meeting covered several important topics aimed at enhancing the airport's performance and services.

1) Aspiring for Top 30 Global Ranking:
During the meeting, it was announced that Visakhapatnam Airport had achieved a global ranking of 66 in the Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Q2 ranking. The AAC expressed its ambition to improve this ranking significantly and requested the APD to develop a comprehensive plan with actionable steps to reach the Top 30 Global Rankings in the first phase. Notably, Hamad International Airport in Doha, Qatar, currently holds the top position.

2) Runway Maintenance Schedule:
The AAC was informed that the Navy planned to suspend airport operations from 9 pm to 8 am, starting from November 2023 until April 2024, for essential runway maintenance. In response, the AAC requested the APD and MP Garu to liaise with the Defence Minister and Ministry of Civil Aviation to explore the possibility of adjusting the operation hours from 11 pm to 7 am, offering a more favorable schedule for travelers.

3) Increasing Flight Occupancy:
Visakhapatnam Airport reported high flight occupancy rates, exceeding 90% for routes to Hyderabad, Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore. Chennai and Kolkata also maintained an average occupancy rate of over 80% in 2023. To meet growing demand, the AAC urged the APD to work on expanding flight options to these destinations.

4) New Air Cargo Operators:
Air Cargo operations at the airport will now be handled by Omega Enterprises, effective November 10. Additionally, international air cargo operations have been awarded to AAI subsidiary Allied Services Co Ltd, with operations expected to commence shortly due to the existing infrastructure.

5) Expanding Flight Routes:
The AAC recommended initiating discussions with airlines to introduce flights to popular destinations such as Dubai, Bangkok, and Kuala Lumpur. MP Garu pledged to support this endeavor by engaging with airlines directly.

6) Easing Traffic Congestion:
To alleviate traffic congestion, the AAC proposed the addition of a separate lane for airport access from National Highway (NH), starting from the signal point, in collaboration with the City Police.

7) Introducing Digi Yatra Facility:
The AAC requested the MP Garu and APD to initiate the implementation of the Digi Yatra facility at Visakhapatnam Airport and seek permission from the Ministry to enhance passenger convenience.

8) Prepaid Taxi Service:
The AAC encouraged cooperation between the APD and City Police to establish a prepaid taxi service at the airport for the immediate benefit of travelers.

The meeting was attended by dedicated members of the Airport Advisory Committee from the AP Air Travelers Association, including K. Kumar Raja, D.S. Varma, and O. Naresh Kumar. These discussions underscore the commitment to improving Visakhapatnam Airport's services and its significance as a regional air travel hub.

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