Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh: In a significant move, the Andhra Pradesh Air Travelers Association (APATA) has submitted a comprehensive memorandum to the Hon’ble Minister of Civil Aviation, Shri Ram Mohan Naidu, calling for urgent intervention to revive withdrawn flight routes, upgrade cargo infrastructure, and implement innovative aviation schemes across Andhra Pradesh airports.

With Visakhapatnam emerging as a key economic hub, boasting a GDP of $43.5 billion and recognized as the 10th richest city in India, stakeholders are deeply concerned that the state's aviation infrastructure is not keeping pace with its industrial and investment potential.

Flight Routes Lost – A Setback for Growth

The memorandum highlights the withdrawal of multiple critical flights in April 2025 alone, including:

• Domestic routes to Vijayawada (2), Goa, Pune, Bhubaneswar, Coimbatore, and Mumbai (Akasa Air)

• International connections to Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Colombo, Dubai, and Malaysia

• Dedicated cargo flights, especially for seafood and pharma products

The urgent reinstatement of these connections has been requested to facilitate trade, tourism, and business mobility. Direct flights to Bhubaneswar, Kolkata, and Coimbatore and properly scheduled flights to Vijayawada are among the key demands.

 

Need for Cargo Infrastructure & Warehousing

The stakeholders underscored the lack of multi-temperature cargo facilities at Andhra Pradesh airports. Despite being home to pharma clusters in Parawada and Pydibhimavaram, seafood hubs, and horticulture zones, the state lacks basic cargo handling infrastructure. As a result, high-value exports are being routed via airports in other states, causing delays and financial losses.

 

Referencing the Union Budget 2025 announcement on air cargo development, APATA requested that Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) be submitted for Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, Rajahmundry, and Tirupati airports, to align with the vision for enhanced warehousing and perishable goods handling.

Innovative Proposals Under UDAN Scheme

APATA recommended:

• Establishment of Udan Yatri Cafés at major airports (similar to Chennai) offering budget meals starting at ₹20.

• Launch of UDAN Cargo Flights connecting tier-2 airports in AP to national and international cargo hubs like Bangalore, Delhi, Dubai, and Amsterdam.

• A proposed cross-subsidy model, where metro airports bear a small surcharge to support cargo flights in underdeveloped regions.

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Strategic Long-Term Infrastructure Proposals

The association also urged:

1. Operationalization of an Aviation University near Bhogapuram to train pilots, engineers, and crew with MRO and simulator facilities.

2. Setting up a Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) refinery in the region to promote green aviation across southern India.

3. Fast-tracking completion of master plan roads, 12 flyovers, and the Coastal Corridor Road to ensure seamless road connectivity to the upcoming Bhogapuram International Airport.

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A Personal Appeal to a Minister from the Region

With Minister Ram Mohan Naidu hailing from North Coastal Andhra, stakeholders expressed confidence that their concerns would be addressed promptly. The APATA team emphasized that swift action on these proposals will have a transformational impact on passenger traffic, cargo exports, tourism, and job creation in Andhra Pradesh.

“We are optimistic under the leadership of Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri N. Chandrababu Naidu, and with a Civil Aviation Minister who understands the pulse of the region, Andhra Pradesh has a golden opportunity to take flight,” the letter concludes.

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Submitted by:
Dr. K. Kumar Raja, O. Naresh Kumar, D.S. Varma
On behalf of: Andhra Pradesh Air Travelers Association

 

Copy To:
The Hon’ble Chief Minister, Government of Andhra Pradesh
The Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Visakhapatnam