Visakhapatnam International Airport has announced the suspension of night flights from November 15 until the end of March 2024.

The decision has been taken to facilitate the resurfacing of the airport's runway, a crucial maintenance task carried out approximately once every decade. During this period, the airport will be closed from 9 p.m. to 8 a.m., affecting around a dozen flights.

Reddy has informed the AAI headquarters in Delhi about the situation, hoping for their intervention with the Naval headquartThe suspension comes as a concern for tour-and-travel operators who fear its impact on their businesses during the peak tour season.

Typically, Visakhapatnam city, along with the Agency areas of Araku and Lambasingi, experiences a surge in tourist arrivals from different parts of the country and abroad after Dasara until the end of January.

The airport operates under a unique arrangement, with the Air Traffic Control (ATC) being managed by the Navy and the civil enclave operated by the Airports Authority of India (AAI). Airport director Raja Reddy has requested a reduction of the closing time from 10.30 p.m. to 7 a.m. to minimize inconvenience to passengers. However, a response from the Navy is still pending, and ers.

Airline operators have already been notified of the decision, and they are expected to adjust their winter schedules accordingly. The possibility of extending night operations by a few more hours to accommodate the Visakhapatnam-Singapore flight is being considered. Domestic operators may also revise their schedules if it aligns with the new restrictions.

As the airport undertakes this crucial runway resurfacing, passengers and travel agencies are bracing for the temporary disruption while looking forward to an enhanced travel experience once the maintenance is completed.