Vizag Airport gains global recognition

Visakhapatnam: With improved amenities and precautionary measures against coronavirus pandemic, the Visakhapatnam airport is gaining global recognition.

The airport has been garnering appreciation from all quarters, more so from the passengers.

Even in times of pandemic, the airport stood out in terms of maintaining the premises contact-free as well as Covid-19 case-free.

Eventually, this has built confidence among the passengers and aided in drawing a greater number of footfalls. Ever since the flight service resumed at the airport post lockdown, there is a spur in the economic growth as there's an eventual growth in the passenger movement.

Even in the Airports Council International (ACI) rankings, Visakhapatnam airport secured the 70th rank. From 160th rank secured last year, the airport notched up the 70th position, marching 90 ranks ahead.

Terming this as major achievement, Airport Director M Raja Kishore says, "In times of the pandemic, passengers find it safe to travel by flights from here. The feedback about the service they gave mirrors their satisfaction. It made us to bag the 70th rank. Next year, we plan to inch forward to the 50th rank."

Already, plans are afoot to emerge among the top 50 in the next ACI rankings.

In connection with this, the Airport Director says, the focus will be more on the less-satisfactory parameters mentioned by the passengers on the service quality.

The ACI conducts survey on the airport service quality. "The ranking is also based on how we are able to match up to the expectations of the passengers and add value to the user development fee," elaborates Raja Kishore.

In order to work on the challenges, the airport authority is preparing to work on the 'not-so-satisfactory' parameters expressed by the passengers. "Lack of signboards towards the airport is one of the feedbacks we need to work upon as this made many to miss the airport and skip their journey," adds the Airport Director.

Another less-satisfactory opinion received from the passengers is the absence of all-weather protection at the airport entrance.

With illuminated display boards and erection of all-weather canopies in progress, the airport director exudes confidence that Visakhapatnam airport is sure to surface in the top 50 ranks in 2021.